One of the biggest consequences of Donald Trump getting a sad, indoors inauguration due to the cold weather in Washington today is that space is extremely limited. The swearing-in ceremony is taking place in the Capitol Rotunda, which is only 7,000 square feet and can fit only around 750 people. Governors are being sent to the overflow room, along with congressional spouses. Yet they managed to find seats for some absolutely wild guests.
Here’s a look at the most bizarre second Trump inauguration attendees, including Trump political foes who were obligated to attend, and some folks you’d just never expect to see front row at a presidential inauguration.
Mike Pence (But Not Karen Pence)
Mike Pence did not endorse Donald Trump in 2024, probably because Trump was reportedly in favor of his supporters murdering him during the Capitol Riot. But Pence is still a former VP, so he showed up to Trump’s second inauguration (though Mother is clearly over it).
Dan Quayle and Marilyn Quayle
Hey, remember that time former vice president Dan Quayle encouraged Mike Pence not to participate in Trump’s attempted coup? Apparently Trump does not — or, as with Pence, he just couldn’t strike a former VP from the guest list.
George W. Bush and Laura Bush
Obviously former presidents are a staple of inaugurations. But it was a bit odd to see George W. Bush — who famously summed up Trump’s 2017 inaugural speech by saying, “That was some weird shit,” — get another shot at taking the new president down a peg.
Barack Obama
The same goes for Barack Obama. We knew he’d be in attendance, but seeing him stroll in solo really underscored Michelle Obama’s snub.
Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton
In 2017 the Clintons managed to keep it together as Trump was sworn in, despite Hillary winning the popular vote. But HRC lost it on Monday, bursting into laughter when Trump declared he’s renaming the Gulf of Mexico. The Clintons split before the luncheon, with Bill explaining, “We have to go.”
Dana White
Things you don’t see at most inaugurations: CEO of Ultimate Fighting Championship and new Meta board member Dana White yukking it up with major GOP donor Miriam Adelson.
Joe Rogan
Did Trump win the election because podcaster Joe Rogan endorsed him? Probably not, but he helped enough to score a seat in the Capitol Rotunda.
Elon Musk
Yes, we knew Trump’s new BFF and head of the stupidly named, made-up government agency DOGE, would be front and center at the inauguration. But it was still weird to see!
Mark Zuckerberg
Similarly wild: this appearance by new MAGA man and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, along with his wife Priscilla Chan.
Tim Cook
“Tim Apple” looked thrilled to be there.
Sundar Pichai
The Google CEO was clearly relishing this opportunity to mingle with the likes of RFK Jr. and Pete Hegseth.
Jeff Bezos and Laura Sánchez
Do you think Jeff Bezos, who attended with fiancée Lauren Sánchez, was annoyed to see all these other tech CEOs at the inauguration? He earned his ticket by spiking the Washington Post’s Kamala Harris and having Amazon do a $40 million Melania documentary, while these other guys just did some light kissing up.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew
This guy’s app is a massive national security threat that must be shut down immediately. But also, let’s invite him to the inauguration.
Rupert Murdoch
The News Corp mogul was on hand to underscore that we’re now just living in an unfunny episode of Succession.
Tucker Carlson
The former Fox News host seemed pretty excited, for a guy who once said of Trump, “I hate him passionately.”
John Fetterman’s Shorts
The senator may be a little too committed to this bit.
Bernie Sanders
Needs more mittens, but still a good look from the Vermont senator.
John Boehner
Last year the former Republican Speaker of the House said, “I think it’s time for the Republican party to move on. And frankly, I think it’s time for Donald Trump to move on.” But hey, a party’s a party.
Jake and Logan Paul
The Paul brothers were in the viewing area in Emancipation Hall, not the Capitol Rotunda. But it’s still weird to see them anywhere near an inauguration!
Theo Von
Also in Emancipation Hall: comedian turned podcaster Theo Von, who memorably chatted with Trump about his cocaine use.
Conor McGregor
Dana White wasn’t the only UFC personality in attendance: fighter Conor McGregor watched the inauguration from Emancipation Hall.
Eric Adams
The New York mayor canceled two MLK Day events and left NYC in the middle of the night to be at Trump’s inauguration. But he definitely isn’t angling for a pardon!
Rudy Giuliani
America’s mayor was excited to witness this historic moment. Of course, these days Giuliani — who was found in contempt of court twice this month — is excited to be anywhere that isn’t jail.
More on the Trump Inauguration
- Trump Begins Blitz of January 6 Pardons, Executive Orders
- Michelle Obama Isn’t Sick — She Just Hates Trump
- The Robber Baron Inauguration
