Despite their public liberal leanings, these tech leaders are seen as aligning with Trump due to his potential to harm their businesses. The article suggests that their congratulations are a strategic move to maintain positive relations with the new administration and protect their interests. However, this is seen as a sign of the private sector falling in line with a potentially autocratic rule, where compliance is rewarded and dissent is punished, leading to a criticism of these leaders for taking liberal democracy and common decency for granted.
Key takeaways:
- Following Donald Trump's victory over Kamala Harris for a second term in the White House, many of Silicon Valley's billionaires, including those with liberal leanings, were quick to congratulate him.
- Notable figures such as Bill Gates, Sam Altman, Tim Cook, and Jeff Bezos all issued statements of congratulations and expressed hopes for collaboration and innovation under Trump's leadership.
- Despite their public support, the article suggests that these tech leaders may be acting out of fear of Trump's vindictive nature and potential to harm their businesses.
- LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman was one of the few Silicon Valley executives to issue a statement rebuking Trump, expressing concerns about his anti-democratic actions.