Jacob Helberg, a 34-year-old tech executive with ties to both Silicon Valley and D.C., has emerged as a key player in Republican circles, thanks in part to his advocacy for tech policy and support for former president Donald Trump. Despite his past as a Democratic fundraiser, Helberg has shifted his political allegiances and now finds himself as an advisor to defense contractor Palantir and a prominent voice on AI issues. Trump has praised Helberg for his work on tech policy and the two have regular communication, though Helberg remains coy about any potential role in a Trump administration.
Helberg’s rise in GOP circles has raised questions about his background and credentials, as he is vague about his day-to-day work at Palantir and the specifics of his role in advocating for the TikTok ban bill. He has used his anti-China stance, outlined in his book “The Wires of War,” to gain influence in Washington and Silicon Valley, leveraging his connections to wealthy tech elites like Palantir co-founder Peter Thiel. While some in the tech industry have taken notice of Helberg, others have raised concerns about his shifting political alliances and his approach to tech policy.
Despite claiming to be a national security expert with experience at GeoQuant and various think tanks, there are discrepancies in Helberg’s background. Some of his claims about his involvement with GeoQuant and other organizations have been disputed, and he has been criticized for overstating his connections and accomplishments. His advocacy for Trump’s plan to undo Biden’s AI executive order has also put him at odds with some Silicon Valley leaders, who believe that the Biden order is crucial for maintaining U.S. competitiveness in AI development.
Helberg’s support for Trump and his stance on tech policy have raised eyebrows among those who know him, with some viewing his political transformation as purely opportunistic. While he and Trump agree on the need to undo Biden’s AI precautions, they differ on the issue of TikTok, with Trump now embracing the app as a political tool. Despite their alignment on certain issues, Helberg remains focused on shaping tech policy and influencing the outcome of the upcoming presidential election. Time will tell how his connections and advocacy efforts will impact the tech industry and U.S. policy moving forward.
