Former President Donald Trump was reportedly urged by prominent figures in the tech industry to choose Ohio Senator JD Vance as his vice-presidential pick. Tech entrepreneur David Sacks, Palantir adviser Jacob Helberg, and billionaire venture capitalist Peter Thiel were among those who vouched for Vance. This push was motivated by a desire for Vance to be an advocate for innovation in Washington and to push back against large corporations like Google and Lockheed Martin.
Vance, who made a name for himself with his book “Hillbilly Elegy,” impressed Thiel’s Silicon Valley circle with his intellect and outsider background. Thiel mentored Vance and backed his successful Senate bid in 2022. Critics have raised concerns about Vance’s ties to the tech industry, accusing him of being a tool for corporate interests.
If Vance were to win the vice-presidency, he could potentially reshape the tech industry’s relationship with the government. Tech leaders are frustrated with the Biden administration’s stance on issues like cryptocurrency and AI, leading many of them to support Trump’s reelection. Vance’s connections in the tech world could lead to the appointment of like-minded individuals to government positions, potentially transforming the industry into a key player in capitalism.
Overall, Vance’s potential role in a Trump administration would be seen as a win for the tech industry. His willingness to challenge Big Tech monopolies while supporting start-ups aligns with the industry’s desire for innovation and entrepreneurship to thrive. Thiel’s early support of Vance and his connections to influential figures in the tech sector signal a possible shift in the government’s stance on tech issues.
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