Leaked Billionaire Group Chats Show The Real Power Behind Trump
Apr 30, 2025
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Ben Smith, co-founder of Semafor and investigative journalist, dives into the hidden world of elite group chats that are influencing American politics. He reveals how powerful figures from Silicon Valley, including Elon Musk, leverage private threads to steer media narratives and political agendas. The conversation explores the tension between private discussions and public statements, highlighting the complexities of groupthink and elitism. Smith also underscores the evolving dynamics between journalists and the influential subjects they cover, all while navigating the impact on social media discourse.
Private group chats among Silicon Valley elites have become critical for shaping political narratives and influencing policy agendas away from public scrutiny.
Marc Andreessen's shift from workplace discussions to politically charged dialogues highlights the formation of a new conservative alliance within tech, reshaping ideological strategies.
Deep dives
The Role of Group Chats in Political Power
Group chats have evolved into centers of influence for political conversations, particularly among powerful figures who prefer private discussions over public social media platforms. In 2020, as social media became increasingly polarized, many influential figures sought refuge in these chats, including prominent tech entrepreneurs and conservative activists who originally began in more liberal circles. They shifted their focus from workplace controversies over social justice to orchestrating political strategies, with discussions evolving into explicit conversations about undermining opposition. This transition reflects a significant change in how power dynamics operate, as key players navigate the political landscape through these private channels rather than public forums.
Marc Andreessen's Influence and the Evolution of Group Chats
Marc Andreessen has been pivotal in shaping the conversations within these influential group chats, effectively creating a network that facilitates the exchange of ideas among tech elites. Initially, Andreessen's groups focused on addressing workplace culture and diversity issues, but they gradually transformed into more politically charged discussions. His interactions with figures who share his conservative ideology revealed a desire to push back against the 'woke' culture perceived as threatening to their interests. This shift showcases how Andreessen and others have crafted a new ideological alliance, influencing policies and strategies that resonate with their experiences in the tech industry.
Groupthink and the Shift in Public Discourse
The private nature of these group chats fosters an environment of groupthink, where participants reinforce each other's views and create echo chambers. While these discussions can lead to productive exchanges among like-minded individuals, they often stifle dissenting opinions, refining narratives that may not align with public sentiment. As members express fears of backlash from mainstream media or opposing political views, they increasingly withdraw from public debate, leading to a disconnection between their private discourse and broader societal issues. Ultimately, this system not only reshapes their perspectives but also reflects a declining trust in public platforms as genuine spaces for dialogue.
They discuss how a handful of private Signal threads populated by powerful Silicon Valley elites with direct lines to Trump became underground hubs for shaping media narratives, policy agendas, and the new right-wing power structure.
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