The evening preceding Donald Trump’s anticipated second swearing-in is marked with a prestigious gathering, dubbed the ‘Coronation Ball.’ This event, hosted at the famous Watergate Hotel, will play host to numerous figures from the emerging New Right. The orchestrator of this elaborate affair is the conservative imprint, Passage Press, renowned for disseminating works of the neo-reactionary author, Curtis Yarvin—a leading figure in his space, and an advocate for a uniquely structured monarchy reminiscent of a startup.
Characterized as the intelligentsia of the Trump ideology, this dynamic coalition of intellectuals is gathering to observe Trump’s inauguration. They aspire to craft a cultural landscape for his upcoming tenure, as declared by the house of Passage Press themselves. The sphere of influence they seek to shape ranges from high-profile political domains to diverse sectors within commerce and culture.
This grand celebration dictates more than the mere reinstatement of a President. Its purpose is to underscore the emergence of an ambitious, alternative elite community, striving to displace the prevalent establishment across diverse spheres from politics, to corporate realms, all the way to the culture industry. However, this gathering brings together people who might not have always shared the same ideologies or mingled in the same circles, hence, these interactions can be imbued with both competition and complex differences that could affect their unity.
Elites from diverse backgrounds have found themselves entwined in this newly formed alliance. Rumors gleam that Marc Andreessen, a billionaire venture capitalist, is expected at the event, while Steve Bannon, a prominent figure with vocal opposition towards the Silicon Valley wealth circles, is slated to deliver a crucial address. These two personas standing on opposite sides of a spectrum represent a perceptible divide within Trump’s circle, putting the unity of his governance into question.
The attendees face a certain degree of apprehension regarding the unspoken dress codes, social expectations, and the internal divisions within Trump’s coalition. The dichotomy between Andreessen and Bannon offers perfect example of these divergences that run deep within this group. However, these incongruencies only further emphasize the significant challenge that lies ahead for Trump’s administrative design.
These ideological differences were largely dismissed in the fervor of cascading campaigns. The endorsement of Trump by the tech tycoon, Elon Musk, was pivotal—he devoted ample resources and exerted a considerable influence to fuel an unexpected and groundbreaking turn in American politics for the MAGA populism project. Musk teamed up with figures like venture capitalist and podcaster David Sacks and the crypto exchange architect Tyler Winklevoss, personifying a novel alliance amidst political circles.
As the transitional phase of the presidential term took form, these tech elitists emerged to supply ‘superior human capital,’ bridging the need for manpower within the new administration. However, the people at the heart of the rising Trumpian elite concede a deep-rooted reactionary and nationalistic sentiment that invokes an American dream they believe was lost to years of globalist technocracy.
They express considerable skepticism towards the idea that technological advancements offered by burgeoning tech corporations constitute genuine progress. As Jeremy Carl, a deputy assistant secretary of the interior in the inaugural Trump administration and prominent academic at the Claremont Institute, outlines, America embodies more than just a nation or economy—it is a people united by shared history.
The influx of tech figures to the Trump scene in 2024 seemed to empathize with the Trumpian nationalism. However, they often exhibited deeper interest in fueling economic growth and spearheading a new wave of ‘American dynamism.’ Their aspirations and ideology may not align perfectly with the reactionaries, but their presence adds a different dimension to this emergent political society.