Silicon Valley is Backing Donald Trump w/ Jacob Silverman
Jul 25, 2024
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Jacob Silverman discusses Silicon Valley's support for Trump, Peter Thiel's influence, tech billionaires backing Trump financially, and the impact of tech leaders on political narratives.
Tech billionaires supporting Trump due to cultural opposition to perceived 'woke mind virus'
Alignment of tech industry leaders with Trump for financial incentives like tax breaks and reduced regulations
Silicon Valley's rightward shift to defend American tech dominance and influence government policies
Deep dives
Tech Industry Leaders' Disdain for Wokeness Pushes them towards Right-wing Politics
Tech industry leaders, motivated by personal disgust for wokeness and social justice, are leaning towards right-wing politics, with some even supporting Trump. The infiltration of what they see as a woke mind virus in corporate life fuels this shift, making them reactionaries. The monetary self-interest of these leaders aligns with Trump's policies, aiming to avoid taxes and regulations. This lean towards right-wing politics is driven by a desire to avoid higher taxes, resist regulations, and secure incentives for disruptive tech projects.
Tech Industry's Growing Embrace of Trumpism Accelerates Post Assassination Attempt
After an attempted assassination of Trump on July 13th, the tech industry's support for Trumpism intensified, with many previously hesitant individuals publicly endorsing Trump. Tech's incentives to back Trump are influenced by cultural issues, like the opposition to perceived woke mind virus, along with political and financial benefits, such as tax breaks, reduced regulations, and silencing of accountability when rules are breached.
Silicon Valley's Shift towards Right-wing Politics and Tech Industry's Influence on Geopolitics
Silicon Valley's rightward shift is associated with supporting Trump, aiming to defend American geopolitical power by promoting a strong tech industry. This alignment seeks to influence government policies, prioritize defense contracts, and boost tech industry dominance in the global market. Tech's engagement in bipartisan geopolitics challenges traditional notions of Silicon Valley's political orientation.
Influence of Tech Industry Donations on Political Dynamics
The crypto industry's significant campaign finance donations reflect its efforts to shape regulatory policies and influence government decisions. Massive donations from Silicon Valley and crypto entities flow predominantly towards Republican causes and Trump's campaign, showcasing their financial power and political impact. This substantial financial leverage influences political narratives and campaign strategies during the election cycle.
The emergence of Kamala Harris as a potential Democratic candidate disrupts tech industry's momentum supporting Trump, reshaping their political orientation. Harris's alignment with liberal values and policies attracts tech billionaires who opt to resume donations and support the Democratic camp. This shift challenges right-wing tech figures and their narratives, emphasizing issues beyond their ideological stances, creating a more competitive political landscape for tech's influence.
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.
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.