In the early hours following his election victory, Donald Trump took a moment to praise Elon Musk, describing him as a “special guy” and a “super genius.” Trump emphasized the need to “protect our geniuses,” signaling a potential collaboration with the Tesla CEO. Musk’s recent endorsement of Trump, including a substantial $120 million contribution to his campaign and extensive promotion on X, has elevated him to a significant position in Trump’s orbit as the former president outlines ambitious plans for his next term.

A wave of congratulatory messages poured in from tech industry leaders, including Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, who previously banned Trump from Facebook after the Capitol riots on January 6, 2021. Zuckerberg expressed anticipation for cooperation with the new administration. Tim Cook of Apple and Sundar Pichai of Google also extended their wishes, with Cook emphasizing a commitment to innovation and Pichai echoing sentiments about a “golden age” for American tech.

Trump’s aggressive strategies may spark concern among establishment figures but resonate with libertarian-minded tech entrepreneurs. These individuals, who accrued wealth by challenging the status quo, find an ally in Musk. Recently, Musk announced plans to radically reduce government size and budget, aiming to cut at least $2 trillion from federal expenditures, signaling significant workforce reductions among the three million federal employees.

This time around, Trump and his associates may operate with greater freedom than in his previous term, attracting those in the tech sector who are disillusioned with government regulations. The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence has ignited fervor in Silicon Valley, where advocates, identifying as “effective accelerationists” or e/accs, push for unimpeded technological progress and see Trump as a potential ally in dismantling regulatory barriers.

Alongside Musk, influential figures like billionaire venture capitalist Joe Lonsdale, co-founder of Palantir, are likely to shape Trump’s policy decisions. Lonsdale, who helped establish America PAC, has expressed a desire for a government influenced by his tech-savvy peers, advocating for a university dedicated to free speech and the unimpeded pursuit of truth.

Additionally, Lonsdale’s influence may help expedite the ousting of Lina Khan, the chair of the Federal Trade Commission, who has faced backlash from tech leaders for her regulatory efforts. Musk has hinted at Khan’s imminent dismissal, which could drastically alter the regulatory landscape for tech companies.

Trump’s foreign policy may also benefit from the insights of venture capitalist David Sacks, another member of the “PayPal mafia,” who has been critical of the military-industrial complex. Having hosted a fundraiser for Trump, Sacks advocates for a swift resolution to the Ukraine conflict and a reassessment of U.S. relations with Russia.

Balaji Srinivasan, former Coinbase executive, may contribute expertise on cryptocurrency and issues surrounding government regulation. Highlighting concerns about national debt and economic stability, he has proposed a comprehensive investigation into potential governmental manipulations, suggesting AI could facilitate oversight of power structures.

Palmer Luckey, the founder of Anduril Industries, represents a shift in defense technology strategies, offering AI-based solutions to modern military challenges. Despite facing criticism in the past for his political affiliations, Luckey’s success exemplifies the growing acceptance of the “tech right” within the industry, showcasing a new breed of innovators in the defense sector.

As Trump’s administration takes shape, it is evident that a cohort of Silicon Valley elites is poised to exert considerable influence over his priorities, marking a new chapter in the intersection of technology and politics.