A Nation at a Crossroads: The Inauguration, Billionaire Power, and the Call for Vigilance
- Delilah Tanner
- Jan 20
- 5 min read
Yesterday, we reflected on the contrasts between Trump’s “Make America Great Again Victory Rally,” the People’s March for accountability and equity, and the symbolic timing of the TikTok blackout and its sudden return. Today, as Donald Trump took the oath of office for the second time, those contrasts felt sharper than ever. His speech, peppered with phrases like “a free and sovereign nation,” played directly into his supporters’ vision of an America restored to strength and autonomy. But as the day unfolded, it became increasingly clear that the real battle isn’t about party lines—it’s about power, money, and the ever-narrowing gap between corporate wealth and political control.
The Ban, the Irony, and the Statements About TikTok
Trump’s comments on TikTok during this evening were as jarring as they were revealing. “It’s worthless if I don’t sign off on it, but it could be worth trillions if I do,” he said, referencing his ongoing negotiations over the app’s fate. Just one day after TikTok’s temporary blackout—timed suspiciously with both the rally and the lead-up to today’s inauguration, the company’s choice to openly thank “President Trump” ahead of the inauguration, in pop up messages to its 1.7 million American users, not once but twice—his statement along side the company’s actions crystallized the real stakes: control.
TikTok has become more than a social platform. It’s a space for grassroots organizing, cultural expression, and, at times, dissent. It has also mobilized people across generations. Trump’s framing of its value as something he alone could grant or deny cuts to the heart of the matter. This isn’t just about national security or free speech; it’s about power—who wields it, how it’s leveraged, and who profits from it. The irony is stark: a leader who has long railed against “big tech” is using the very same tactics of monopolization and control to dictate the app’s future.
What does this mean for the people who rely on platforms like TikTok for community, activism, and income? And what does it say about a democracy when the whims of one individual, whether an elected official or a billionaire, can so drastically impact the digital public square? We have seen a dramatic shift in tone amongst the majority of our social media apps already. From an intentional pledge to remove fact checking to the openly done suppression of voices. It’s a stark raise for concern, especially after receiving a 75 day stay on the ban this evening. Now is a time for its users to be vigilant and utilize their voices, literally and metaphorically. Will they stay or will there be a mass exodus? Only time will tell.
The Billionaires in the Room
In relation to the concerns regarding social media and its ability to be utilized as a weapon of control are being highlighted in real time—if there was any doubt about the growing oligarchical influence in America, today’s inauguration put it to rest. In attendance with TikTok CEO Shou Chew, was Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg. These three American-based tech titans occupied prominent seats, sitting directly in front of cabinet members and military officials. These men represent unprecedented concentrations of wealth and influence, with their companies touching nearly every aspect of modern life—from space exploration and commerce to social media and artificial intelligence.
The presence of these tech titans raises growing and uncomfortable questions about the entanglement of corporate and political power. Musk’s companies rely heavily on government contracts. Bezos’s Amazon Web Services powers much of the federal government’s digital infrastructure. Zuckerberg’s platforms have played outsized roles in shaping public opinion and political discourse. Their front-row placement today wasn’t just symbolic; it was a reminder of how deeply embedded they are in the machinery of governance.
History offers a warning here. In Weimar Germany, the rise of authoritarianism was fueled in part by the collusion between industrialists and political leaders. Wealth was concentrated in the hands of a few, while the working class bore the brunt of economic instability. The lesson is clear: when power becomes too centralized—whether in government or industry—democracy falters. This concern was amplified by Elon Musk today, as he was invited to the Presidents podium and erecting the sieg heil or roman salute. This has sparked significant conversation. After the display he goes on to thank supporters for "saving human civilization", continued by echoing campaign promises and landing Americans on Mars. . Overall the speech was with out any distinctive quality but has left widespread shock in his body language choice, which certainly paints a stark contrast to Trump's earlier statements on restoring America.
A Sovereign Nation—or a Controlled One?
Trump’s repeated calls for America to become a “free and sovereign nation” struck a chord with his base, but his actions tell a different story. Sovereignty implies independence and self-determination, yet today’s events showcased a nation increasingly beholden to corporate interests. From TikTok’s uncertain future to the tech billionaires seated at the heart of power, being given prominent positions and contracts coupled with plans to raise taxes for 95% of the nation while lowering it for the remaining 5%; the message was clear: sovereignty, in this context, isn’t about the people—it’s about consolidation, of wealth.
This raises critical questions: Can a nation truly be sovereign when its leaders are deeply enmeshed with the wealthiest corporate elites? What happens when the lines between public service and private profit blur to the point of erasure? And how do we ensure that sovereignty serves the many, not just the few?
Breaking Tradition and Ignoring Safeguards
One of the most notable breaks from protocol today was the absence of a “designated survivor.” Traditionally, this safeguard ensures continuity of government in the event of a catastrophe during major national events. The decision to forgo this precaution may have been intended as a display of confidence, but it also signals a troubling disregard for the safeguards that uphold stability.
In times of heightened political tension and global uncertainty, such decisions matter. They speak to priorities—and the lack of a designated survivor today suggests that optics and symbolism were placed above practicality and security.
A Call for Unity and Vigilance
Today’s events, like the rally and march that preceded them, highlight a stark reality: the divisions in America are no longer just ideological. They’re structural, economic, and deeply rooted in the consolidation of power. But this is not about partisanship. It’s not about Trump or Biden, Republicans or Democrats. It’s about the forces that threaten to erode democracy from within—unchecked wealth, corporate overreach, and the manipulation of narratives for personal gain.
As citizens, we must remain vigilant. The future of our nation doesn’t rest solely in the hands of those in office but in our collective ability to hold them accountable. We must ask hard questions, demand transparency, and refuse to let power go unchecked—whether it’s wielded by a politician, a billionaire, or a corporation.
“Remember to always stay conscious, or all hope dies with the men with no conscience.”
This quote, so central to our mission, feels especially urgent today. If we lose sight of what matters—justice, equity, and the well-being of all people—we risk becoming complicit in the very systems we seek to challenge.
The road ahead is uncertain, but one thing is clear: this is not a time for complacency. It’s a time for action, reflection, and unity—not along party lines, but as a people committed to safeguarding democracy. It’s time for us to not just have the hard conversations with those around us, but time for us to actively engage in change.
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