Prof G Markets How Silicon Valley Infiltrated the White House
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Dec 2, 2025 
Liz Hoffman from Semafor, an expert in tech policy, dives into the New York Times investigation on David Sacks and his controversial role in AI policy. She examines the tug-of-war between Silicon Valley’s influence and populist movements, and how investments shape regulatory outcomes. Robert Sockin from Citi analyzes impressive Black Friday sales, attributing them to shifts in e-commerce and AI technologies. He also unpacks the rising trend of buy-now-pay-later options and its impact on consumer behavior.
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Private Investor, Public Policymaker
- David Sacks blends a White House advisory role with active VC investing across hundreds of AI companies.
- That proximity raises ethical questions even if it fits the letter of the law.
Two-Strain Governance Creates Tension
- The Trump administration mixes traditional pro-business, light-touch Republican governance with a populist, sometimes anti-business strain.
- That creates tension around appointing industry insiders to regulatory roles for powerful tech like AI.
AI Donor Packs Shape Policy Battles
- Wealthy Silicon Valley donors have formed organized political packs to influence AI policy and elections.
- These groups split around whether to accelerate AI adoption or push for stricter regulation.