In a glaring display of tech elite privilege, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff and Tesla’s Elon Musk attended a controversial White House dinner with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), raising eyebrows and ethical questions about their political connections.

The evening, hosted during the current administration, brought together billionaires seemingly unbothered by the Crown Prince’s notorious history, particularly the 2018 murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Benioff seemingly embraced the event’s atmosphere, posting cheerful selfies with various tech and political figures including Michael and Susan Dell, Robinhood’s Vlad Tenev, and Coinbase’s Brian Armstrong.

Musk’s attendance is particularly notable given his recent tumultuous relationship with former President Trump. After a public falling out that included provocative comments about Trump and the Epstein files, Musk appears to be rebuilding political bridges. His recent re-posting of a Trump social media post and invitation to this exclusive dinner suggest a strategic political reconciliation.

The event highlights the insular world of tech billionaires, where political controversies and human rights concerns seem secondary to networking and maintaining influential connections. Benioff’s casual approach - including a somewhat playful selfie with former Attorney General Pam Bondi - underscores a sense of detachment from the serious implications of such gatherings.

Moreover, Musk’s political maneuvering continues to be unpredictable. His previously announced plans to launch the “America Party” quickly evaporated, and his relationship with Trump remains complex, characterized by Trump’s somewhat contradictory statements about liking Musk while acknowledging his “stupid moment”.

This White House dinner serves as a stark reminder of how wealth and influence can seemingly transcend ethical considerations, with tech leaders maintaining cozy relationships with controversial political figures and international leaders with questionable human rights records.

As the tech world continues to intersect with global politics, questions remain about the responsibility and moral compass of those wielding immense economic and social power.