A captivating dinner with tech titans and former President Donald Trump unfolded recently, generating chatter over the intriguing seating arrangements. Who sat where—and with whom—revealed much more than mere politeness.

Seated close to Trump was none other than Mark Zuckerberg, flanked by ‘crypto czar’ David Sacks on one side and tech giant Bill Gates on the other, right next to Melania Trump. This arrangement raises the stakes for interpretation: who’s in, who’s out, and what does it all signify?

Tech commentator Peter Kafka suggests that Trump’s chosen seating reflects his acquaintanceship with these figures rather than their current positions in the tech world. Interestingly, Zuckerberg, who once faced threats of jail time from Trump, now finds himself in the favored circle—a stark turn of events.

Adding to the drama was the conspicuous absence of Microsoft’s current CEO, Satya Nadella, left at the far end of the table, while retired figures like Gates and Sergey Brin enjoyed prime real estate, much to the confusion of onlookers.

This gathering was a testament to shifting alliances in the tech sphere. Tim Cook and Sam Altman, seated beside each other, illustrated a blend of relations as they navigated recent tensions; Altman’s journey from critic to collaborator with Trump showcases the evolving landscape.

What’s more intriguing? The list included lesser-known tech figures like Jared Isaacman, who played a critical role in the fallout between Musk and Trump, suggesting old grudges could still linger over the dinner table.

As attendees engaged in networking—and perhaps subtle rivalries—questions arose about who might have had the worst time. Was it Zuckerberg, caught off guard by a direct inquiry that left him seemingly unprepared? Or perhaps the tensions struck between Cook and Zuckerberg hinted at deeper fractures.

Ultimately, the dinner illuminated the precarious balance of power in the tech world—a tableau of discomfort mixed with celebration as industry leaders waded through their complex relationships with Trump and each other.