Jacob Helberg, a 34-year-old tech executive, has emerged as a prominent figure in Silicon Valley, advocating for an unrestricted artificial intelligence (AI) policy. His unexpected rise has been marked by going from Biden donor to Trump confidant and gaining bipartisan support for his stance on AI. His involvement in the passage of the recent TikTok legislation in the US, which was supported by both Democrats and Republicans, highlights his growing influence.
Helberg's political journey began as a supporter of the Democratic Party, to which he donated 1.5 million dollars in the 2020 election. However, his views shifted to a more conservative stance and he aligned himself with Trump's views on AI. Now, Helberg regularly communicates with the Trump campaign and discusses technological advances and the regulation of AI.
Helberg's position at Palantir, a defense contractor, solidifies his influence and lobbying in the areas of technology and policy. His advocacy for minimal restrictions on AI contrasts with the Biden administration's call for regulatory action and reflects a broader debate on AI governance.
The Hill and Valley Forum hosted by Helberg has underscored his bipartisan appeal.
The forum attracted leaders from Silicon Valley and Washington, D.C. Despite its Republican leanings, Helberg's approach aims to unify divergent technology policies for national security. Helberg's professional background includes positions at Google and GeoQuant, a startup that analyzes geopolitical risk.His book The Wires of War outlines his views on technological rivalry, particularly between the US and China.Helberg's connections, including his relationship with tech investor Keith Rabois, have bolstered his status among Silicon Valley's elite.
However, Helberg's claims about his professional roles have been called into question. Disagreements over his involvement with GeoQuant and Stanford College have raised questions about his credentials.
Despite this, Helberg continues to shape AI policy and advocates for fewer restrictions in order to keep the US competitive with China.
Helberg's support for Trump's AI policy includes opposition to Biden's executive order on AI, arguing that existing laws are sufficient for regulation. This stance has led to a debate among Silicon Valley leaders, some of whom express concern about the potential risks of unregulated AI development.
In general, Helberg believes that existing laws already adequately regulate AI and that "a morass of red tape" would hurt U.S. competition with China. "In general, Jacob and I agree on China," venture capitalist Vinod Khosla told Forbes. On AI, "we just agree to disagree"
Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn, also disagrees with the Trumpists' positions, because "repealing Biden's executive order, as Trump and Helberg are seeking, would be a gift to China and others"," as the Asian country could take positions of power in the US or use its technology to match data, as in the case of TikTok.
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Helberg's influence in technology and politics is bound to grow. His unique position as a former Democrat turned Republican insider underscores the shifting landscape of technology policy and political alliances.
