Some influential figures in the tech industry have been pushing for Silicon Valley insiders to be considered for cabinet positions in the upcoming Trump administration, according to a report by The New York Times. One of the key figures being targeted for this effort is Elon Musk, who has a close relationship with Donald Trump.
Elon Musk’s associates, such as Joe Lonsdale, the co-founder of Palantir and venture firm 8VC, have been recommending potential candidates for various cabinet positions. For instance, Emil Michael, former COO of Uber, has been suggested to lead the Department of Transportation. Before his time at Uber, Michael had experience working in the Obama administration and at the Department of Defense.
Another name being floated for a cabinet position is Jim O’Neill, who collaborated with Peter Thiel on the Thiel Fellowship program. O’Neill was considered for the role of FDA head during Trump’s first term and is now being recommended to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. However, Trump ultimately appointed Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is known for his skepticism towards vaccines, to head the department.
It is clear that the tech industry is trying to have a say in the shaping of the new administration, leveraging their connections and influence to push for individuals they believe will be beneficial for their interests. This trend of tech leaders recommending colleagues for cabinet positions highlights the growing intersection between technology and politics, and the increasing importance of Silicon Valley in shaping government policies.
As the relationship between the tech industry and the government continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these recommendations play out and what impact they will have on the future of technology and governance. The influence of tech leaders in the political sphere is a testament to the power and reach of Silicon Valley, and it underscores the need for a closer examination of the ties between technology, innovation, and public policy.