Silicon Valley and Washington elites united at Peter Thiel’s opulent Beaux-Arts mansion in D.C. on a chilly evening to herald the forthcoming presidency of Donald J. Trump. The gathering, brimming with excitement and power dynamics, could have been straight out of a Hollywood script.
As night fell and the temperature plummeted outside Mr. Thiel’s grand abode, luminaries from the tech industry and political sphere started to arrive. Miriam Adelson, the formidable casino tycoon, graced the event moments before its official commencement at 5 p.m., setting the tone for an evening of extravagance and influence.
Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s visionary leader and one of the world’s wealthiest individuals, followed suit shortly after Adelson’s arrival. Draped in elegant black-tie attire, his presence exuded authority as he navigated through security detail alongside Joel Kaplan, Meta’s head of global policy with deep-rooted ties to Republican circles.
The mansion buzzed with anticipation as guests mingled within its expansive 10,000 square feet — a microcosm where powerbrokers rubbed shoulders under shimmering chandeliers and ornate ceilings. Peter Thiel, not just a host but also Zuckerberg’s mentor and Meta board member, orchestrated an ambiance that crackled with potential conversations shaping future narratives.
Zuckerberg’s 90-minute stay hinted at fleeting glimpses behind the curtain of tech diplomacy as he tactfully evaded reporters’ inquiries. Meanwhile, other influential figures in Mr. Thiel’s inner circle gradually joined the soirée under Secret Service scrutiny—a testament to both security protocols and high-stakes networking.
The arrival of Vice President-elect JD Vance signaled another twist in this unfolding narrative — a brief cameo by a man backed by Mr. Thiel during his Senate bid with a staggering $15 million campaign war chest. Vance’s swift appearance underscored intricate alliances woven amid these corridors of power where relationships often dictate destinies.
With each guest adding their chapter to this tale of wealth entwined with politics against the backdrop of impending change—vividly captured by photographer Jason Andrew—the stage was set for a night destined to be etched into realms where Silicon Valley met Capitol Hill in an amalgamation defining an era ripe with possibilities.
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