Staff Reports
Silicon Valley, long considered a bastion of liberalism, is experiencing a political earthquake, thanks to a few unlikely figures who have decided that former President Donald Trump isn’t the enemy anymore; he’s the answer. In a dramatic shift, tech billionaire Ben Horowitz and his wife, Felicia, are turning their back on their previously left-leaning ways. These two were not just power players but were the ones throwing barbecue bashes in their posh Atherton estate, mingling with the likes of Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, Oprah Winfrey, and a rogue’s gallery of liberal elites.
The Horowitzes have a rich history of political donations, having generously funded Democrats like Barack Obama, Kirsten Gillibrand, and Cory Booker. They rubbed shoulders with political barons and social justice activists and even lent their support to various philanthropic causes focused on diversity and inclusion. Felicia was especially active in philanthropic efforts, notably giving to Glide, a nondenominational church devoted to social justice initiatives in San Francisco. The couple seemed to embody the liberal elite, focused on progressive causes while hosting intimate dinners with celebrity guests.
Ben and Felicia Horowitz’s political pivot from liberal darlings to Trump backers https://t.co/AKRH5pe3jB
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) August 20, 2024
However, the winds of change are blowing through the Bay Area as Ben and Felicia Horowitz are suddenly waving the MAGA banner. They have made headlines for endorsing Trump and generously pledging funds to his campaign, a complete about-face from their past political leanings. Felicia even went so far as to clean house on her social media, erasing any trace of her former alliances with Obama and other Democrats. Instead, she has been making 25 notable donations to Republican candidates, signaling a newfound loyalty to the party that once seemed anathema to them.
This pivot has left their friends in Silicon Valley scratching their heads. Their shift to the right now stumps those who once shared backyard barbecues with the Horowitzes. It seems that an awakening has occurred, and after years of donating to the Democratic Party, Ben and Felicia are throwing their weight—and dollars—behind GOP candidates. The numbers tell the story: of Ben Horowitz’s 123 donations, an impressive 82 have now gone to Republicans. It’s a rare example of a tech titan leaving the typically progressive ranks of Silicon Valley to embrace a platform focused on lower taxes and less regulation.
As the Horowitzes dive deeper into the conservative fold, discussions about the merits of Trump’s policies, particularly around cryptocurrencies and artificial intelligence, are gaining traction. Marc Andreessen, Ben’s partner and co-founder of their venture capital firm, has also jumped into the fray, showcasing a newfound enthusiasm for Trump and potentially risking friendships in the process. This unexpected endorsement from such influential figures has ruffled feathers among the tech elite, prompting over 600 venture capitalists to rally behind Vice President Kamala Harris.
As they ride the Trump wave, the Horowitzes appear to find themselves at the intersection of philanthropy and politics. However, their political evolution is causing crackling tensions among their old liberal friends. It remains to be seen what this new alignment means for their social circles and businesses, but one thing is clear: the progressive monopoly on Silicon Valley may not be as unshakeable as once thought.
