Former President Donald Trump considered choosing Ohio Sen. JD Vance as his vice-presidential pick after pressure from tech entrepreneurs like David Sacks and billionaire venture capitalist Peter Thiel. These Silicon Valley figures see Vance as an ally in spreading a doctrine that government and big corporations stifle innovation and that start-ups can drive national progress. Thiel, Vance’s mentor, invested in him a decade ago and helped fund his Senate campaign in 2022.
Critics argue that Vance’s ties to the tech elite could lead to conflicts of interest, with some calling him a “shillbilly” in reference to his association with Thiel. However, supporters believe that Vance’s understanding of Big Tech’s monopolistic practices and support for nimble start-ups make him an ideal envoy for the industry. If elected, Vance could reshape the tech industry’s relationship with the government and advance policies beneficial to start-ups and venture capitalists.
Tech leaders, including Thiel and Elon Musk, have thrown their support behind Trump due to his industry-friendly views on electric vehicles, cryptocurrency, and artificial intelligence. Collaborations between Thiel-associated start-ups, including Vance’s investments in defense technology, could lead to substantial government contracts. Vance’s connections in the tech world also spark speculation that he could play a role in bringing innovation to government institutions.
Vance’s rise in Silicon Valley was facilitated by his relationship with Thiel and other tech luminaries, who regard him as a valuable asset for fostering innovation within the government. Should he be selected as vice president, Vance could bridge the gap between the tech industry and Washington, bringing forth a new era of tech-driven policy and economic growth.
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