A long-time donor to the Democratic Party has switched allegiances and will be supporting former President Donald Trump in his quest for a second term. Jacob Helberg told Fox News’ Maria Bartiromo that he will be supporting former President Trump in November due to President Biden’s “radical progressive” policies.
Bartiromo highlighted Trump’s recent successful fundraising trip to California, including a very successful fundraiser in Silicon Valley. “Deep blue turning red as the tide turns. Trump in Silicon Valley, members of California’s starkly liberal technology community turning out to support the from the prison the massive fundraiser last week in the Trump campaign, raking in $12 million at the event,” she said before noting that Helberg was at the event.
“You were once a prominent Democrat donor and gave to Biden in his last presidential campaign, but you were there this week supporting President Trump. What happened?” the Fox News host asked.
“Part of what we have seen over the last four years, I came from a one-party state, and like a lot of people in California and in Silicon Valley, I saw the Democratic Party get hijacked by the Squad and woke theology,” Helberg said. “President Biden campaigned as a moderate and ultimately has governed as a radical progressive. He has spent all of his time catering to his base, and ultimately, he is now completely out of step with where the rest of the country is.”
Earlier this month, Trump made significant fundraising strides in Silicon Valley, marking a notable incursion into a traditionally Democratic stronghold. The event, co-hosted by billionaire investor David Sacks and venture capitalist Chamath Palihapitiya, underscored Trump’s expanding influence among affluent donors from the tech and Wall Street sectors.
The event led to significant financial gain. According to Yahoo Finance, Trump reportedly raised $12 million from tech executives. The event was a strategic move into the Democratic stronghold of San Francisco’s Silicon Valley—former Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s backyard—and drew in a select group of tech executives, venture capitalists, and cryptocurrency leaders. Attendees paid ticket prices varying from $50,000 to $500,000.
Known for its liberal leanings and substantial financial contributions to the Democratic Party, Silicon Valley experienced what Messari CEO Ryan Selkis describes as a “breach” in the “Blue Wall of Tech.” Selkis, a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency industry, attended the event and expressed his excitement online, sharing a photo with Trump and calling the gathering an “Electric event!”
Former vice chairwoman of the California Republican Party, Harmeet Dhillon, wrote on X: “$12M raised tonight! Incredible support for @realDonaldTrump. Thrilled to see the tech leaders stepping up!”