The Powers That Be: Daily Silicon Valley Does D.C.
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Dec 14, 2024 Abby Livingston, Puck's astute congressional correspondent, shares her insights on the surprising ties between Silicon Valley and Trump's White House. She discusses how V.C. players influenced key decisions and the crypto funding that reshaped elections. The conversation dives into the evolving attitude toward tech regulation and the risk of underestimating figures like Elon Musk. Additionally, Abby highlights the powerful impact of pro-cryptocurrency super PACs on Congress, revealing their significant contributions and political shifts at play.
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Silicon Valley's Political Shift
- Silicon Valley, once aligned with Democrats, has shifted towards the Republican Party, partially due to the laissez-faire-oriented "PayPal mafia".
- This shift involves a generation of business leaders known for disrupting and breaking things, now facing the challenge of disrupting Washington, the hardest place to change.
Musk's Proximity to Power
- Elon Musk's presence at Donald Trump's Thanksgiving table highlights the significance of proximity to power in Washington.
- Trump's policy decisions are often influenced by the last person he spoke with, making Musk's access impactful.
Musk's Influence
- Despite skepticism about Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), his influence on President Trump remains substantial.
- Musk's regular presence at Mar-a-Lago grants him significant access to the president's ear.