Mike Allen, Axios co-founder, wrote in the publication’s newsletter that Trump had confided in friends about his decision to pick Vance several days before the announcement. However, Vance only learned he would be Trump’s running mate moments before the former president shared the news on Truth Social, according to multiple sources speaking to CNN.
The other two contenders, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and Sen. Marco Rubio, were reportedly informed around midday on Monday. Axios revealed that a secret lobbying effort, led by influential figures like Musk, Carlson, and Sacks, persisted until Monday morning, but the publication did not detail their involvement. Business Insider could not verify the report.
CNN reported that Carlson supported Vance, believing he would resonate with working-class voters, while Rupert Murdoch, Carlson’s former boss at Fox News, lobbied for Burgum.
When Tucker Carlson heard a few weeks ago that former President Donald J. Trump might be reconsidering J.D. Vance as his running mate, he stepped in. During a speaking tour in Australia, Carlson called Trump with a dire warning.
According to two sources cited in a New York Times article detailing Vance’s long journey to winning Trump over, Carlson’s June phone call was intense. He told Trump that Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, another leading contender for the vice-presidential slot, was untrustworthy and would lead America into nuclear war. Carlson also expressed distrust for another contender, Governor Doug Burgum of North Dakota.
Carlson warned Trump that choosing a “neocon” — Republicans who support using U.S. power to spread democracy abroad — as his VP would make U.S. intelligence agencies see Trump as a threat, potentially leading to assassination attempts to install their preferred president.
Additionally, Carlson cautioned Trump against taking advice from allies of Rupert Murdoch, his former employer. “When your enemies are pushing a running mate on you,” Carlson said, referencing the Murdoch empire, “it’s a pretty good sign you should ignore them.”
Elon Musk also played a pivotal role in persuading Donald Trump to select J.D. Vance as his running mate. Musk, along with other influential tech figures, actively lobbied for Vance, emphasizing the strategic advantages that aligned with their interests. Following an assassination attempt on Trump in Pennsylvania, Musk argued that Vance’s appointment would act as “assassination insurance,” underscoring Vance’s reliability and alignment with Trump’s agenda.Musk’s influence in this decision was bolstered by his significant presence and advocacy on social media, where he expressed strong support for Vance. This effort was part of a larger campaign by several tech billionaires who viewed Vance as a candidate capable of promoting policies beneficial to the tech industry.
Why Big Tech loves JD Vance
J.D. Vance, the 39-year-old Ohio senator and recent GOP nominee for Vice President of the United States, has garnered significant support from big tech and influential Silicon Valley figures. This endorsement is not coincidental but rooted in Vance’s deep connections to the tech industry and his alignment with its key players, notably Peter Thiel. Vance’s relationship with Silicon Valley dates back to his early career. Before entering politics, he worked in the tech industry and became a prominent figure through his venture capital firm, Narya Capital, which he co-founded with backing from Peter Thiel. Thiel, a billionaire tech investor and co-founder of PayPal, has been a mentor and major supporter of Vance, providing both financial backing and strategic advice.
Peter Thiel’s influence on Vance’s career cannot be overstated. Thiel, known for his contrarian views and substantial impact on the tech world, saw potential in Vance early on. Thiel’s investment in Narya Capital not only gave Vance a platform to engage with Silicon Valley’s elite but also positioned him as a key player in the venture capital scene. This association has significantly boosted Vance’s credibility and influence within the tech community. One of the primary reasons big tech supports Vance is his ideological alignment with the industry’s visionaries. Vance shares Thiel’s skepticism of unchecked government power and his belief in the potential of technology to drive societal change. This perspective resonates with many in Silicon Valley who view innovation and entrepreneurship as vital to America’s future.
Vance’s policy positions also align with the interests of the tech sector. He advocates for deregulation, which appeals to tech companies looking for fewer constraints on their operations. Additionally, his stance on issues like data privacy and digital infrastructure development is in line with the goals of many tech giants aiming to expand their influence and capabilities. Beyond the boardrooms and investment firms, Vance’s appeal extends to tech workers. His background and narrative, especially his rise from a modest upbringing to success in Silicon Valley, mirror the aspirations of many in the tech industry. His bestselling memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy,” which details his journey, resonates with those who see technology as a pathway to upward mobility.
The recent lobbying efforts by tech titans like Elon Musk and David Sacks to position Vance as Trump’s running mate highlight the strategic importance of having a tech-savvy individual in a high governmental role. These figures recognize that Vance’s potential influence in the White House could lead to policies favorable to the tech industry, promoting innovation, and ensuring America’s competitive edge in the global tech race. In essence, J.D. Vance is a favored candidate in Silicon Valley due to his deep-rooted connections with influential tech figures like Peter Thiel, his ideological alignment with the tech sector’s vision, and his policy perspectives that promise to foster a conducive environment for technological advancement. As he steps onto the national stage, Vance represents not just a political figure but a bridge between Washington and Silicon Valley, embodying the aspirations and interests of the tech industry.
Who is Elon Musk?
Elon Musk is a renowned entrepreneur, inventor, and CEO of several groundbreaking companies. Born on June 28, 1971, in Pretoria, South Africa, Musk moved to the United States to pursue his studies and entrepreneurial ambitions. He is best known for co-founding PayPal, a revolutionary online payment system, which he sold to eBay in 2002 for $1.5 billion. Musk then turned his attention to ambitious ventures aimed at transforming the future of humanity.
As the CEO and lead designer of SpaceX, Musk has revolutionized space travel with the goal of making it more affordable and eventually enabling human colonization of Mars. He is also the CEO of Tesla, Inc., where he has driven the development and popularization of electric vehicles, significantly impacting the automotive industry. Musk’s other ventures include Neuralink, which aims to develop brain-machine interfaces, and The Boring Company, which focuses on tunneling and infrastructure.
Known for his visionary ideas and relentless work ethic, Musk has been a polarizing figure, often making headlines for his bold statements and innovative projects. His contributions to technology and space exploration have earned him a place among the most influential figures of the 21st century.
Who is Tucker Carlson?
Tucker Carlson is a prominent American television host, political commentator, and author. Born on May 16, 1969, in San Francisco, California, Carlson has become a significant figure in American media, known for his conservative viewpoints. He began his career in journalism as a print reporter, writing for various publications before transitioning to television.
Carlson gained widespread recognition as a co-host of CNN’s “Crossfire” in the early 2000s. However, he became a household name as the host of “Tucker Carlson Tonight” on Fox News, which debuted in 2016. His show quickly became one of the most-watched cable news programs in the United States, known for its provocative discussions and Carlson’s unapologetically conservative stance on issues such as immigration, free speech, and American politics.
Throughout his career, Carlson has been a polarizing figure, praised by conservatives for his willingness to challenge mainstream media narratives and criticized by liberals for his controversial statements and positions. In addition to his television work, Carlson has authored several books and continues to be a significant voice in political commentary.
Who is David Sacks?
David Sacks is a notable entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and technology executive. Born on May 25, 1972, in Cape Town, South Africa, Sacks moved to the United States where he pursued a career that would make him a prominent figure in Silicon Valley. He is best known as a member of the “PayPal Mafia,” a group of influential former PayPal employees and founders who have gone on to create and invest in numerous successful tech companies.
Sacks was the COO of PayPal, playing a critical role in its development and eventual acquisition by eBay in 2002. After PayPal, he founded Geni.com, a genealogy website, and Yammer, an enterprise social network. Yammer’s success led to its acquisition by Microsoft in 2012 for $1.2 billion.
As a venture capitalist, Sacks has been involved with several high-profile investments through his firm, Craft Ventures, which he co-founded. His investment portfolio includes companies like Airbnb, Uber, and SpaceX. Known for his sharp business acumen and strategic thinking, Sacks continues to be a key player in the tech industry, influencing the growth and direction of numerous startups and established companies.