Silicon Valley’s support for Donald Trump’s presidential bid was evident at the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee. Leda Health founder Madison Campbell invited me to join her, providing an inside look at the tech elite’s presence. Notable figures such as venture capitalist Keith Rabois’ husband Jacob Helberg, investor David Sacks, and Peter Thiel’s protégé J.D. Vance were all prominent attendees.
Silicon Valley’s Influence
Throughout the RNC, Silicon Valley’s influence was palpable. The tech elite experienced moments of discord with the working-class MAGA supporters. For instance, David Sacks, known for his anti-union stance, spoke before Sean O’Brien, president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
Interactions and Observations
At the Pfister Hotel, where Trump was staying, Secret Service agents lined the doors, and armored vans continuously arrived. Campbell, a libertarian and Miss Pittsburgh pageant winner, shared her political journey and aspirations for a role in the Trump administration’s Project 2025.
Security and Protests
The convention center was heavily secured, with police on boats, bikes, and horses. We passed protestors waving Palestinian flags. Vivek Ramaswamy, entrepreneur and investor created Roivant Sciences. He believes that Trump has a good chance in Silicon Valley, especially if more tech elites like Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz start endorsing him.
Contradictions and Support
The GOP has been actively courting Silicon Valley, highlighting support for crypto and AI development. Despite this, contradictions remain, as Trump’s administration has been tough on crypto and subsidies for electric vehicles. Daniel Castro of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation suggested that Biden’s antitrust stance is pushing Silicon Valley towards Trump.
Inside Silicon the VIP Party
At the Pfister’s mahogany-lined bar, Campbell networked with Jeff Miller, a political strategist, leading to an invitation to a VIP after-party. The main event was a warehouse party attended by GOP donors and influencers like CJ Pearson, who advocated using social media platforms like TikTok to reach young voters.
Tech’s Role in the GOP
Campbell advised fellow partygoers to embrace tech as the new GOP kingpins, emphasizing that the future of Republican donor money lies in technology rather than traditional oil and gas.
SUMMARY Silicon
The week captured the complex relationship between Silicon Valley and Trump — a lucrative yet morally challenging alliance. Both sides are navigating their differences to achieve mutual benefits in the political arena.
