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Trump’s AI advisor pick sparks clash between MAGA supporters and tech community
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Silicon Valley venture capitalist Sriram Krishnan’s appointment as President-elect Trump’s AI advisor has sparked controversy between Trump’s tech industry allies and his anti-immigration supporters.

Key developments: Trump’s selection of Indian American tech executive Sriram Krishnan, a general partner at Andreessen Horowitz, to oversee AI policy has generated significant backlash from some MAGA supporters.

  • Far-right activist Laura Loomer criticized the appointment, claiming it contradicts Trump’s “America-first” agenda
  • Krishnan, who has led product teams at major tech companies including Twitter, Facebook, Microsoft and Snap, has previously advocated for removing country-specific caps on green cards
  • Critics pointed to Krishnan’s past statements supporting expanded skilled immigration

Industry support: Several prominent tech figures and politicians have defended Krishnan against the criticism.

  • Elon Musk advised his followers to ignore Loomer’s comments
  • Investor David Sacks clarified that Krishnan supports skills-based immigration criteria rather than unlimited immigration
  • Rep. Ro Khanna praised Krishnan as a “thoughtful tech leader” whose success exemplifies American exceptionalism

Immigration policy context: The controversy highlights ongoing tensions around H-1B visas and skilled immigration policy.

  • During Trump’s first term, H-1B visa denials increased significantly, reaching 24% in 2018 compared to 10% in 2016
  • A 2020 Trump executive order suspending new H-1B visas was eventually blocked by a judge
  • The conservative Project 2025 proposes restricting H-1B eligibility to only the highest-paid workers

Strategic implications: This appointment exposes potential conflicts between Trump’s tech industry supporters and his anti-immigration base.

  • The controversy highlights competing interests between Silicon Valley’s desire for skilled foreign workers and “America First” immigration restrictions
  • Trump may face pressure from tech advisors like Musk and Sacks if he attempts to limit skilled worker visas in a second term
  • The backlash reflects broader tensions around immigration, tech industry hiring, and American competitiveness

Looking ahead: This early controversy over Krishnan’s appointment signals potential challenges in balancing Trump’s tech policy goals with his immigration stance, particularly as artificial intelligence development increasingly depends on global talent pools.

Trump’s AI pick sparks vitriol between tech and MAGA supporters

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