Tech giants are quietly campaigning for Ohio Sen. JD Vance to become former President Donald Trump’s vice-presidential pick, according to insiders. Influential figures like Peter Thiel, who mentored Vance, believe he can spread a pro-tech doctrine in Washington. Vance’s rise in the GOP has energized Silicon Valley leaders, who view him as their envoy to challenge government and corporate giants. Thiel’s early investment in Vance helped him build connections and led him into politics, ultimately to become a U.S. Senate candidate. Critics, however, argue that Vance’s ties to the tech world could promote elitism and special interests in government.
Despite having ties to both Trump and Thiel, Vance’s supporters believe his stance on promoting small start-ups and challenging big tech monopolies make him a promising choice for bridging the gap between Silicon Valley and Washington. Vance’s ability to understand the future of technology innovation and to call out issues like regulatory capture in the tech industry make him a potentially influential figure in government. If Trump wins and Vance becomes part of the administration, he could transform how the tech industry interacts with politics, potentially reshaping government positions and contracts in favor of tech-focused companies aligned with Thiel’s network.
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