Future Discontinuous Are the tech bros taking over the White House, Eoin Higgins?
9 snips
Mar 14, 2025 
Journalist Eoin Higgins dives into the intricate web of tech billionaires like Peter Thiel and Elon Musk and their unconventional influences on US politics. He discusses the shift from the hopeful internet revolution to a realm shaped by anti-regulation ideologies. The conversation unveils how these 'tech bros' align with far-right thinkers and wield power both in the White House and abroad. Higgins warns of the risks posed by their access to federal data and their dreams of creating 'freedom cities' that challenge democratic norms.
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From Democratizing Promise To Consolidation
- The internet's early promise of democratization masked commercial consolidation that empowered a few firms.
- The dot‑com crash and consolidation solidified monopolies that shaped today's tech oligarchy.
Defense Spending Fueled Tech's Rise
- Federal defense and national security spending subsidized civilian tech development for decades.
- Agencies like DARPA and CIA-linked funds accelerated surveillance and data industries tied to companies like Palantir.
Brand Slogans Reveal Changing Priorities
- Silicon Valley branding shifted away from moralistic slogans like 'don't be evil' as corporate priorities changed.
- That branding shift signaled tolerance for actions not explicitly framed as 'good' by companies.
