POLITICO Tech Podcast Summary

Episode Title: Big Tech is throwing the party for Trump. Will it last?
Release Date: January 17, 2025
Host: Stephen Overle
Guest: Dasha Burns, POLITICO's White House Bureau Chief

1. Introduction: Shifting Alliances Between Big Tech and the Trump Administration

In this episode of POLITICO Tech, host Stephen Overle and guest Dasha Burns explore the evolving relationship between major technology companies and former President Donald Trump as he prepares to govern again. The discussion centers on the notable presence of tech leaders at Trump's inauguration and the implications of their support for his administration.

2. Tech Leaders' Support at the Inauguration

Stephen Overle begins by highlighting the significant turnout of Silicon Valley executives at Trump's inauguration:

"When you watch the inauguration on Monday, look behind President elect Donald Trump and you'll see some familiar faces. Elon Musk will be there, not a big surprise. But also in prime seats will be Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Google, Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, and even Sho Chu, the CEO of TikTok, an app that may be banned by then." (00:32)

This gathering marks a stark contrast from the first Trump term, where there was notable tension and hostility between the administration and tech companies.

3. Evolution of Tech and Trump Relations

Dasha Burns discusses the transformation in the relationship:

"They're just trying to build this new relationship that really hasn't existed until very recently. I mean, it's crazy to think just how seismic of a shift this is." (03:53)

She references her interview with Alex Bruzewitz, a MAGA influencer, who revealed that Meta's policy changes, such as ending fact-checking, were influenced by consultations with Trump-aligned individuals. This indicates a deeper collaboration between Big Tech and the Trump administration.

4. Resetting the Relationship Post-Biden

The conversation delves into how tech companies, previously at odds with both Trump and Biden administrations, are seeking a "reset" in their relations with Washington:

"Silicon Valley wants a cozier relationship with Trump after frequent tension, even hostility during his first term and a reset with Washington after feeling beat up by President Joe Biden for the past four years." (00:32)

Dasha Burns adds that Trump is now more open to collaborating with these tech leaders, viewing their support as pivotal for his governance:

"He feels like he has this mandate because of the election results, and he sees people coming to try to court conservatives because of him." (06:15)

5. Big Fundraisers and Bridging Traditional GOP with Tech

The episode highlights JD Vance's fundraising dinner in Palm Beach, which brought together traditional Republican donors and Silicon Valley figures like the Winklevoss twins:

"It was a $250,000 a plate fundraiser. That's big, big money. They raised well over seven figures." (10:13)

This event symbolizes the merging of the old GOP base with new tech-oriented donors, indicating a strategic move to secure financial and ideological support for the coming years.

6. The Role and Influence of Elon Musk

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on Elon Musk's influential position within Trump's circle. Stephen Overle references an interview with Steve Bannon, who expressed skepticism about Musk's actual power despite his prominent presence:

"Bannon thinks that Musk is influential, but not actually powerful." (12:36)

Dasha Burns counters by emphasizing Musk's substantial investments in Trump's campaigns and his undeniable impact on Trump's public image:

"Musk is such an important figure. He spent so much of his own money to help get Trump elected." (13:15)

This duality raises questions about Musk's long-term role and whether he can align his technological interests with Trump's populist agenda.

7. Skepticism Among Trump Supporters Towards Tech Leaders

Despite the visible support from Big Tech, there remains underlying skepticism among traditional Trump supporters:

"Conservatives aren't convinced yet. There's still a lot of skepticism and still a lot of mistrust." (16:07)

For instance, Mark Zuckerberg's recent content moderation changes were met with mixed reactions—celebrated by some on the right but viewed by others as opportunistic rather than genuine support.

8. Democratic Party's Complex Relationship with Big Tech

The episode also touches upon President Joe Biden's critical stance towards Big Tech, framing it as a "dangerous concentration of power":

"The free press is crumbling and editors are disappearing... We must hold the social platforms accountable to protect our children, our families, and our very democracy from the abuse of power." (00:32)

Dasha Burns discusses the challenges Democrats face in reconciling their need to regulate tech with the influence these companies wield:

"Democrats have some soul searching to do on that, among many other fronts." (17:21)

There's an ongoing debate within the Democratic Party on whether to maintain a confrontational approach or seek common ground with tech giants to foster innovation while ensuring accountability.

9. Future Implications and Closing Thoughts

As the episode concludes, Stephen Overle and Dasha Burns ponder the sustainability of Big Tech's support for Trump and its implications for both parties:

"The old school and new school breaking bread together, like. And right now they are. They're breaking bread together. But what happens when those policy differences... start to face that in a really practical way as they're trying to pass legislation or get executive orders signed?" (12:02)

The episode leaves listeners contemplating the delicate balance between technological innovation, political power, and ideological alignment as the United States navigates the post-election landscape.

Notable Quotes:

• Stephen Overle (00:32): "Silicon Valley wants a cozier relationship with Trump... even hostility during his first term."

• Dasha Burns (03:53): "It's crazy to think just how seismic of a shift this is."

• Dasha Burns (06:15): "He feels like he has this mandate because of the election results..."

• Stephen Overle (12:36): "Bannon thinks that Musk is influential, but not actually powerful."

• Dasha Burns (13:15): "Musk is such an important figure. He spent so much of his own money to help get Trump elected."

• Stephen Overle (17:21): "Democrats have some soul searching to do on that..."

Conclusion

This episode of POLITICO Tech provides a comprehensive analysis of the renewed alliance between Big Tech and Donald Trump, the complexities of their relationship, and the broader implications for American politics. It underscores the evolving dynamics as technology leaders seek influence in governance, while traditional political factions grapple with integrating these powerful entities into their strategic frameworks.