Tech’s Biggest Names Pushing for JD Vance as VP Pick
Several prominent tech figures, including David Sacks, Jacob Helberg, and Peter Thiel, have been quietly advocating for former tech VC JD Vance to be selected as former President Donald Trump’s vice-presidential running mate. Vance, once an employee and mentee of Peter Thiel, has been seen as a potential ally for Silicon Valley in Washington, promoting a message of innovation and competition against established corporate giants.
Thiel, who bankrolled Vance’s entry into politics and spearheaded his successful Senate bid, sees him as a generational bet. However, Vance’s ties to the tech industry, along with his conservative social views, have elicited criticism and concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
Despite these reservations, Vance’s critics and supporters alike acknowledge his potential to transform the tech industry’s relationship with the government, paving the way for more collaboration between tech start-ups and policymakers. Vance’s supporters believe that his advocacy for “Little Tech” could help shift the focus from established tech monopolies to emerging innovative companies.
Prominent tech figures like Blake Masters and Delian Asparouhov believe that Vance’s deep understanding of technological trends and his willingness to challenge Big Tech’s status quo make him a compelling candidate for a government role. With Trump expressing more industry-friendly messages on key tech issues and the Biden administration facing backlash from tech leaders, Vance’s potential role in a Trump administration could herald a new era of tech innovation in government.
While critics remain skeptical of Vance’s ties to the tech industry and his conservative views, his supporters believe that his unique perspective could be a catalyst for positive change, bridging the gap between Washington and Silicon Valley.
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