In Brief
Posted: 3:56 PM PST · November 14, 2024
Image Credits: Chris Goodney/Bloomberg / Getty Images
Marina Temkin
Tech leaders recommend colleagues for Trump’s cabinet
Tech executives have been trying to influence the incoming Trump administration to appoint Silicon Valley insiders for cabinet positions. The New York Times reported on this phenomenon.
Given Elon Musk’s strong relationship with Donald Trump, many of these persuasion efforts have been directed towards him, including by friends of Musk like Joe Lonsdale, the co-founder of Palantir and venture firm 8VC, who has reportedly proposed some ideas.
Tech leaders have also reportedly floated Emil Michael, ex-Uber COO, to head the Department of Transportation. Before joining Uber in 2011, Michael was a White House fellow in the Obama administration and a special assistant to Robert Gates at the Department of Defense. He was reportedly forced out of Uber in 2017, shortly before Uber’s founder Travis Kalanick was pushed to resign from the company.
Meanwhile, Jim O’Neill, a longtime associate of Peter Thiel, was suggested to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, though Trump chose vaccine-skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
O’Neill’s name has come up before, notes the outlet. He was recommended to head the FDA during Trump’s first administration; at the time, he was working for Thiel’s Mithril Capital Management.
Key Points
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Elon Musk and His Influence
Elon Musk’s strong ties with Donald Trump have been leveraged by tech leaders seeking positions within the Trump administration. This influence extends beyond just himself, as his friends in the tech sector have also made waves in pushing their ideas to higher-ups like Trump. -
Emil Michael’s Potential Appointments
Emil Michael, former Uber COO, has reportedly been floated as a potential candidate for various high-profile government posts during Trump’s administration. His background and relationships within the federal government likely played a role in these discussions. -
Jim O’Neill’s Role
Jim O’Neill, closely associated with venture capitalist Peter Thiel, has been suggested to lead key departments within the Trump administration. Despite his potential qualifications, Trump chose a different candidate for certain roles, which could be attributed to his personal preferences or political affiliations.
Related News
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Apple May Add an iPhone Air
Apple may add an iPhone Air to its lineup, following recent rumors and speculation about new product launches. -
Tech Companies and DEI Programs
Tech companies have been actively opposing proposals to abolish DEI (DEI stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs within their ranks. -
Mark Zuckerberg’s Latest Pivot
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently defended his company’s latest pivot in a three-hour Joe Rogan interview, where he detailed his vision for the future of social media.
Conclusion
The influence of tech leaders on key government appointments during Donald Trump’s presidency highlights the intersection between high-level politics and Silicon Valley’s elite circles. The report underscores how personal relationships and recommendations can shape significant decisions within the federal government.
Sources:
- Chris Goodney/Bloomberg / Getty Images
- TechCrunch
- The New York Times
