Trump’s AI advisor pick sparks clash between MAGA supporters and tech community

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.