Influence through Relationships and Wealth

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Influence in the realm of politics and business is often wielded through relationships and wealth. By being close to influential figures like Musk and Trump, and by maintaining a loud presence and financial influence, individuals like Sacks can exert significant power. Trump's decision-making process, such as seeking advice on VP appointments from wealthy individuals, underscores the importance of wealth and connections in his decisions.

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.

Jacob Silverman is the co-author of Easy Money: Cryptocurrency, Casino Capitalism, and the Golden Age of Fraud and is working on a new book called Gilded Rage that is scheduled for Fall 2025.

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.

Also mentioned in this episode:

Jacob wrote about Silicon Valley’s embrace of Trump for The Nation.
Paris wrote about what Silicon Valley wants from Trump in Disconnect.
Molly White’s new project is called Follow the Crypto.
Elon Musk is reportedly committing $45 million a month to a pro-Trump Super PAC.
Mark Zuckerberg called Trump a badass, while saying he won’t endorse any candidate.
Eric Schmidt is pushing the Pentagon’s embrace of AI for war.
Peter Thiel says he’d vote for Trump this cycle if there was a gun to his head.
Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz wrote a Little Tech Agenda containing a basic policy program.
Reid Hoffman funded a disinformation campaign in Alabama.
Reed Hastings has already put $7 million into a pro-Kamala Super PAC.