In the 2016 presidential election, Silicon Valley billionaires were largely against candidate Donald Trump, with many publicly denouncing his rhetoric and policies. However, in the 2020 election, Trump has surprisingly gained massive support and financial backing from some of the tech industry’s wealthiest individuals.
One of the most notable Silicon Valley billionaires to support Trump is Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison. Ellison held a fundraiser for Trump at his estate in Rancho Mirage, California, where attendees paid up to $100,000 to support the president’s re-election campaign. Additionally, Ellison has donated millions to a pro-Trump super PAC, making him one of the president’s top donors.
Another tech mogul who has thrown his support behind Trump is Peter Thiel, co-founder of PayPal and early investor in Facebook. Thiel has been a vocal supporter of the president since the 2016 election and has donated substantial sums to Trump’s campaign. Thiel has also been a key advisor to the Trump administration, providing guidance on tech and business-related issues.
So, why have these Silicon Valley billionaires, who were once critical of Trump, now become some of his biggest donors? One reason could be Trump’s business-friendly policies, such as tax cuts and deregulation, which have benefited the tech industry. Additionally, Trump’s tough stance on China and his support for restrictions on immigration may align with the interests of some tech executives.
Furthermore, some tech billionaires may see Trump as a disruptor who challenges the status quo and shakes up the political establishment. Silicon Valley has a reputation for embracing innovation and disruption, and some executives may see Trump as a similar figure in the political realm.
It’s worth noting that not all Silicon Valley billionaires support Trump. Many tech leaders, such as Mark Zuckerberg and Tim Cook, have publicly criticized the president and his policies. However, the fact that some of the industry’s most prominent figures are backing Trump signals a shift in the political landscape and highlights the diverse views within Silicon Valley.
As the 2020 election approaches, it will be interesting to see how the support from Silicon Valley billionaires impacts Trump’s campaign and whether their contributions will help him secure another term in office. Regardless of the outcome, one thing is clear – the relationship between Silicon Valley and the Trump administration is complex and ever-evolving.