Right-Wing Forces Of The Silicon Valley

Silicon Valley is mostly associated with liberalism – the condemnation of Donald Trump's immigration order and the building of an anti-Trump coalition are the most recent examples of the industry's disdain for right-wing rhetoric. Still, as the Guardian writes, "despite promoting an image of innovative iconoclasm, outside the spotlight a cadre of powerful tech figures are planting themselves in Trump’s corner".

According to the Guardian, "tech has its fair share of old-school Republicans". Some have been major donors to the Republican Party, others have run for office as Republicans, yet others joined the Trump advisory councils.

None, however, is as prominent as Peter Thiel. The PayPal cofounder backed Trump early on and became a member of the Trump transition team. As the Guardian states, "now the idiosyncratic billionaire is poised to exert significant influence on the government".

The Guardian uncovers the relationship between Thiel and other right-wing members of the Silicon Valley. It is a worthy read, accompanied by fine data visualisation for anyone eager to come to know the intricate web of tech start-up connections. There are a couple of the usual suspects, but more than a few names might be surprising.