The tech right’s influence in the 2024 election will be greater than ever before.
With Joe Biden stepping aside and Kamala Harris taking center stage, the 2024 election has firmly embraced a California-centric narrative. If the 2016 race was defined by the rivalry between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, the upcoming election is dominated by the dynamics of Silicon Valley.
This shift is palpable, especially as Silicon Valley aligns itself more visibly with Trump. The selection of JD Vance, a Palantir co-founder and a candidate favored by tech mogul Peter Thiel, as Trump’s running mate signals that Big Tech, alongside a growing number of start-ups, will play a decisive role in the race. This tech-centric movement has already had a marked impact on the campaign landscape.
The high-tech elite’s involvement in politics reached new heights when Elon Musk, a key figure from the region, endorsed Trump following a dramatic incident in Pennsylvania on 13 July 2024. Musk’s announcement on X (formerly Twitter) was a clear signal of the deepening ties between Silicon Valley and the Trump campaign. In addition to public support, Musk’s Super PAC, the America PAC, has raised millions to fund Trump’s efforts. Despite initial rumors of direct financial contributions, Musk clarified in a 22 July interview with Jordan Peterson that the funds raised through the PAC are meant for campaign expenditures, not direct donations.
The PAC has also attracted contributions from other prominent Silicon Valley figures, including former PayPal executive Ken Howery and the Winklevoss twins, famous for their legal battle with Mark Zuckerberg over Facebook’s creation. This influx of tech-right donations is reshaping the financial backing behind Trump’s campaign, further entrenching the region’s political influence.
As the election draws closer, the tech elite’s significant involvement in shaping political outcomes will continue to make headlines, with Silicon Valley no longer just a backdrop to American politics, but a central player in this high-stakes race.