Donald Trump flanked by tech billionaires at inauguration

Guests including Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Sundar Pichai and Elon Musk arrive before the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the US Capitol in Washington. Picture: Julia Demaree Nikhinson, Pool/AP

Some of the most exclusive seats at US President Donald Trump’s inauguration were reserved for powerful tech chief executives who also happen to be among the world’s richest men.

That is a shift from tradition, especially for a president who has characterised himself as a champion of the working class.