In recent years, it might have seemed unlikely for former President Donald Trump to gain traction in certain parts of the country, particularly in regions dominated by technology elites. However, this trend appears to be shifting. Last week, Trump made a significant appearance in one of the least expected places—the upscale Pacific Heights neighborhood in San Francisco, known to be the political backyard of Nancy Pelosi, former Speaker of the House. The former president was there for a high-profile fundraiser that reportedly brought in an impressive $12 million.
The event was hosted by two influential figures in the tech and venture capital community, David Sacks and Chamath Palihapitiya, both well-known venture capitalists and co-hosts of the popular “All-In” podcast. Held at their home, the fundraiser attracted a crowd of wealthy figures, including prominent venture capitalists and cryptocurrency investors. According to sources, the ticket price for attending this exclusive event ranged from $50,000 to $500,000, depending on the level of perks and incentives offered.
Harmeet Dhillon, a member of the Republican National Committee who attended the event, noted that Trump seemed “relaxed, happy, and cracking jokes about artificial intelligence.” The lighthearted and friendly atmosphere hinted at Trump’s ongoing strategy to appeal to diverse audiences, including those from Silicon Valley—a demographic that has traditionally leaned away from his policies and rhetoric.
This event signifies a notable shift as Trump appears to be finding new allies and increasing his influence within the technology and venture capital sectors.
