Former President Donald Trump made a surprising splash in the typically Democratic stronghold of San Francisco, raising an impressive $12 million at a fundraiser attended by top venture capitalists and entrepreneurs. The event, hosted by Silicon Valley investor David Sacks at his lavish $20 million mansion, drew a sold-out crowd of supporters eager to hear Trump speak on a range of topics including artificial intelligence, energy, and cryptocurrency.
Ryan Selkis, CEO of Messari, described the atmosphere at the event as electric, with Trump captivating the audience and leaving them “eating out of his hands.” The fundraiser, which cost between $50,000 and $300,000 per head, attracted prominent figures from the crypto sector, including leaders from Coinbase and the Winklevoss twins.
The event’s success highlighted a growing shift in Silicon Valley, with some tech luminaries expressing support for Trump as they voice concerns over issues such as free speech, technology regulation, and taxes. Jacob Helberg, a senior executive at Palantir, noted that the fundraiser demonstrated a “generational realignment” among technology founders and predicted that Trump’s campaign would become more competitive in traditionally blue communities.
Despite facing protests during his last visit to San Francisco in 2019, Trump was met with a group of enthusiastic supporters chanting “USA, USA, USA” and “We want Trump” outside Sacks’ residence. The event also garnered endorsements from prominent figures like Elon Musk, who praised Sacks’ support for Trump’s policies.
As Trump continues his West Coast tour with upcoming events in Los Angeles and Newport Beach, the fundraiser in San Francisco served as a clear indication of the former president’s enduring appeal and growing support among influential figures in the tech industry.