The chapter explores how tech billionaires have transitioned from reluctantly working with Trump to actively supporting his far-right agenda, discussing the normalization of Trump's ideas and the increasing acceptability of far-right beliefs among tech elites. It delves into the historical ties of Silicon Valley to the defense industry, financial motivations of tech billionaires, and the trend of tech leaders pursuing their visions without criticism, leading to a shift towards conservative attitudes in the industry.
Paris Marx is joined by Jacob Silverman to discuss why tech billionaires have become more supportive of Donald Trump in the upcoming US election and whether Kamala Harris’ candidacy will disrupt their plans.
Jacob Silverman is the co-author of Easy Money: Cryptocurrency, Casino Capitalism, and the Golden Age of Fraud and is working on a new book called Gilded Rage that is scheduled for Fall 2025.
Tech Won’t Save Us offers a critical perspective on tech, its worldview, and wider society with the goal of inspiring people to demand better tech and a better world. Support the show on Patreon.
The podcast is made in partnership with The Nation. Production is by Eric Wickham. Transcripts are by Brigitte Pawliw-Fry.
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