Summary

Donald Trump’s second term is poised to feature significant influence from a network of right-wing tech figures, including Elon Musk, Peter Thiel, and David Sacks, many linked to the “PayPal Mafia.”

These allies bring a focus on deregulation, cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence, and military technology, with numerous appointments in key federal roles.

Critics highlight their ties to venture capital, skepticism of institutions, and profit motives, while proponents see them as champions of innovation.

Questions remain about their impact, given part-time roles and the limits of Trump’s ability to implement radical tech policies.

  • Flying Squid
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    101 day ago

    The video of him trying to pay for a burger with crypto was amazing, the 2 owner guys had to essentially take his phone and do it themselves to make sure it was done right.

    Right? I wish more people saw that. Not only was he clearly unclear on crypto, it was pretty obvious he was unclear on the whole concept of paying for things himself.

    Man of the people.

    • @glimse
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      51 day ago

      As he walks out, he leans to his assistant “do a chargeback on that 9 Bitcoin or whatever. I’m not paying for that burger, I did THEM a favor by being here”

      • Flying Squid
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        61 day ago

        I saw the video on The Majority Report the day after it happened, so I have no idea how to find it for you, sorry. He was in a “bitcoin bar” in NYC that only accepted crypto and they tried to get him to pay for it and it was a hilarious fiasco.

        • @EmpathicVagrant
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          212 hours ago

          No, friend, no need to be sorry. That’s still an interesting behavior, that’s for certain.

          • TimLovesTech (AuDHD)(he/him)
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            fedilink
            English
            1
            edit-2
            2 hours ago

            After being greeted by boos and yells of “loser” as he arrived at PubKey, a Bitcoin-themed watering hole near New York University in Greenwich Village, the former president was met with heavy applause from a mixture of self-identified Bitcoin enthusiasts and Trump supporters when he entered the dimly lit bar.

            Trump @ NYC crypto bar