Former President Donald Trump’s popularity continues to grow in unexpected regions of the country, extending into areas once considered Democratic strongholds. This shift was highlighted last week when Trump made a significant appearance in San Francisco, the home turf of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. At a high-profile fundraiser, Trump raised an impressive $12 million from some of the most influential figures in Silicon Valley, demonstrating his increasing appeal among tech elites.
According to reports from The Daily Wire, the exclusive event was hosted by venture investor David Sacks and prominent venture capitalist Chamath Palihapitiya at Sacks’ Pacific Heights residence, one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in San Francisco. Both Sacks and Palihapitiya are co-hosts of the popular podcast “All-In,” which has gained a loyal following in tech circles. The price of entry ranged from $50,000 to $500,000, depending on the level of access and perks attendees sought.
The guest list included an array of well-known venture capitalists, cryptocurrency investors, and tech entrepreneurs, reflecting Trump’s growing appeal in sectors traditionally aligned with liberal politics. This comes at a time when the former president is campaigning to retake the White House in 2024, focusing not only on his traditional voter base but also expanding his influence in unconventional areas like the tech industry.
Harmeet Dhillon, a member of the Republican National Committee, attended the fundraiser and reported that Trump was in high spirits, “relaxed, happy, and cracking jokes about AI.” His ability to connect with tech leaders on topics such as artificial intelligence, a hot-button issue in Silicon Valley, signals a strategic pivot towards addressing the concerns of industries that will play a crucial role in shaping the future economy.
This latest fundraiser is part of Trump’s broader strategy to target affluent, influential sectors of society, especially as he prepares for what is expected to be a heated presidential race in 2024. Despite legal challenges and ongoing controversies, Trump’s ability to attract high-dollar donations from such circles highlights his enduring appeal and suggests that he could be mobilizing new types of supporters.
Notably, this event comes on the heels of increasing tensions between the tech industry and Democratic lawmakers, particularly over regulatory issues and concerns surrounding free speech on social media platforms. With tech leaders increasingly vocal about government overreach, Trump appears to be capitalizing on this discontent, positioning himself as a champion of business interests and innovation.
As Trump’s campaign continues to gain momentum in unconventional areas like Silicon Valley, the 2024 election is shaping up to be one where political alliances may shift in unexpected ways. Whether this fundraising success will translate into votes remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Trump’s influence is extending far beyond his traditional voter base.