Once upon a time, the ultimate aspiration of the ultra-wealthy was to accumulate enough “F-you money” to operate above societal constraints.

Comedian Jon Stewart on Monday criticized the appearance of tech moguls at President Trump’s inauguration. “Yes, taking the place of seats normally reserved for Democratic or Republican governors,

Some of the most exclusive seats at President Donald Trump’s inauguration were reserved for powerful tech CEOs who also are among the world’s richest men.

During Donald Trump's January 20 inauguration, fans couldn't help but notice how Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk had a better view of the festivities over people who will be working for the president.

Among the tech CEOs in attendance at Donald Trump's inauguration ceremony inside the Capitol rotunda on Monday, Jan. 20, were Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos and Tim Cook

The blossoming relationship between President Donald Trump and tech titan Elon Musk was on full display throughout Monday's inauguration ceremonies.

The billionaire decided he could not campaign while helping lead the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, but tensions with Elon Musk were also evident.

Trump’s administration is directing that all federal diversity, equity and inclusion staff be put on paid leave, and that agencies develop plans to lay them off, according to a memo from the Office of Personnel Management.

Trump’s administration is directing that all federal diversity, equity and inclusion staff be put on paid leave, and that agencies develop plans to lay them off, according to a memo from the Office of Personnel Management.

President Donald Trump's inauguration was packed with the ultra-rich, some seated closer to the incoming president than his incoming cabinet. The personal net worth of just three of these people combined (Mark Zuckerberg,

Mr Trump is more transactional than presidents before him, which increases the risk of cronyism and self-dealing. But America’s economy, including its technology industry, is too unwieldy and dynamic to petrify into an actual oligarchy, whatever diplomats and departing presidents say. ■

Of course, one of those tech billionaires received the most attention on inauguration day: Elon Musk, the new head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE, cue eye roll). Musk sparked controversy with a very emphatic hand gesture that looked a whole lot like a Nazi salute.