Welcome to the Era of Technological Regulation of Organized Crime.
Trump has proposed to the tech industry a way to avoid the repercussions of their actions.
The inauguration of Donald Trump is marked by an atmosphere of ostentation and controversy, where the actions of numerous wealthy donors highlight a concerning governmental corruption. Although it has been noted that Trump’s team lacked sufficient VIP passes for its major contributors, the true backdrop reveals a more alarming dynamic than merely the absence of privileges. This phenomenon underscores how large corporations and their moguls seek to gain access and advantages, resembling a kind of transaction that reflects a lack of accountability toward the electorate.
Among the most notable names is Elon Musk, who invested a minimum of 250 million dollars in Trump's campaign, alongside significant contributions from companies like Amazon, Google, Uber, Microsoft, and Meta, which each donated one million dollars for the inauguration. The atmosphere of camaraderie intensifies, as many of these executives, including Musk, would meet with key political figures, emphasizing a shift in relationships: "In the first term, everyone was against me; in this second term, everyone wants to be my friend," Trump remarked.
However, the Silicon Valley environment is not just a quest for shelter but also an expression of marked dissatisfaction with the social consequences of their products. Meanwhile, the cryptocurrency industry seeks to gain ground in a regulatory environment that could be favorable under the current administration. There are talks of million-dollar investments by players in the sector, who wish for the Securities and Exchange Commission to have a more amicable relationship with them. Moreover, the potential appointment of a "crypto czar" and an executive order prioritizing this industry indicate that government support could be just around the corner.
The issue of tax evasion and tax cuts for the mega-rich intertwines with Trump's agenda, emphasizing a manifest interest in maintaining tax advantages. The nominee for Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, has pointed out that this is crucial for the economy, suggesting that profiting from privatization and military spending represents an even greater gold mine for the tech sector. Investments in defense and agreements with the Department of Defense are sources of pride for figures like Marc Andreessen, who is leveraging influence in the realm of defense and corporate contracting.
While the interactions and alliances may seem like pragmatic tactics, they reveal a sort of confusion and rivalry among tech figures. Zuckerberg seeks advantages at the expense of other competitors, while Bezos and Musk compete in the space race, reflecting an age-old dynamic of "everyone against everyone" that could lead to a chaotic outcome.
In short, Trump’s inauguration is not just a political celebration but also a reflection of the complex web of relationships between corporate power and the highest authority in the country. This symbiotic relationship, in which billionaires seek to secure their immunity from regulation and public criticism, raises questions about the future and democratic health of the country in a context where decisions seem to respond to the interests of a few at the expense of the common good.
