Weirdo
and the weirder weirdos who support him ...
Introduction
Donald Trump has always been a polarizing figure, but beyond the political disagreements, there’s something undeniably strange about his persona that creeps people out. It’s not just his erratic behavior or his unfiltered rhetoric; there’s a deeper, more unsettling quality that makes him a uniquely bizarre presence in American politics. Whether it's his uncanny ability to blur the lines between reality and fiction or his almost surreal self-assuredness, Trump embodies a kind of weirdness that defies conventional political analysis. This weirdness has not only baffled his detractors but has also inexplicably attracted a certain segment of society—particularly the Silicon Valley techno elite, who one might expect to be more skeptical of such an unorthodox figure.
What is it about Trump that appeals to the techno bros of Silicon Valley, a community known for its forward-thinking, data-driven, and often libertarian ideals? Figures like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel have publicly supported Trump, despite—or perhaps because of—his unconventional and often disruptive approach to leadership. To some, Trump represents the ultimate "disruptor," a man willing to tear down the status quo with the same reckless abandon that Silicon Valley entrepreneurs apply to traditional industries. But there's also something more insidious at play. The connection between Trump and these techno bro-ligarchs seems to be rooted in a shared disdain for established norms and a mutual fascination with power that bends reality to their will. This alliance is as perplexing as it is unsettling, suggesting that the weirdness of Trump might actually be a feature, not a bug, in the eyes of these Silicon Valley titans.
But Trump isn’t the only strange character in this orbit of political and technological power. JD Vance, author of Hillbilly Elegy and current Republican nominee for Vice President on the Trump ticket, shares many of the same unsettling traits. Once a vocal critic of Trump, Vance has undergone a transformation that many find both baffling and disconcerting.
His journey from an intellectual critic of Trumpism to a full-fledged supporter is emblematic of the strange allure Trump holds over certain individuals who, on the surface, would seem antithetical to his brand of politics. Vance’s own weirdness—a blend of populist rhetoric, tech-savvy, and a carefully curated outsider image—mirrors that of Trump, making him a fitting, if eerie, ally in the MAGA movement.
This strange alignment between Trump and Silicon Valley's techno bro-ligarchs underscores a deeper, more troubling trend: the obsession with technological progress at the expense of societal values and democratic norms. In their relentless pursuit of innovation and disruption, these tech elites have embraced a worldview that prioritizes power and control over ethical considerations and the common good. Their support for Trump isn’t just about shared interests; it’s a manifestation of a broader, more dangerous ideology that sees democracy as an outdated obstacle to be bypassed, rather than a system to be protected and improved. This techno-determinism, where progress is pursued for its own sake, is undermining the very fabric of our democracy, as these powerful figures manipulate technology and influence to reshape society according to their own interests, often with little regard for the consequences.
The Tyranny of Techno-progress
When social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram first emerged, they were hailed as revolutionary tools for connection, communication, and community-building. The promise was simple: to bring people closer together, enable the free exchange of ideas, and democratize information. However, the reality has been far more complex and troubling. Social media has become a breeding ground for misinformation, polarization, and toxic behavior. Algorithms designed to keep users engaged often amplify the most extreme content, leading to echo chambers and the spread of falsehoods that have had real-world consequences, from the erosion of trust in institutions to the manipulation of elections. What began as a tool for unity has, in many cases, deepened societal divisions and fueled conflict on a global scale.
The advent of the smartphone was another groundbreaking innovation, putting the power of a computer in the palm of our hands and forever changing the way we interact with the world. While smartphones have undoubtedly brought convenience and connectivity, they have also contributed to a decline in our cognitive ability and our ability to focus and maintain meaningful human connections. The constant barrage of notifications, apps designed to capture and monetize our attention, and the addictive nature of the devices have led to a phenomenon often referred to as "digital addiction." This has had wide-ranging consequences, from reduced productivity and mental health issues to the fraying of social bonds. What was once a symbol of progress has, for many, become a source of anxiety and distraction, detracting from our quality of life.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has been touted as the next frontier in technology, with the potential to revolutionize industries and solve some of the world’s most pressing problems. However, the rapid advancement of AI has also sparked fears about widespread job displacement. Automated systems and AI-driven robots are increasingly capable of performing tasks that were once the domain of humans, from manufacturing to customer service to even creative work. While this promises increased efficiency, it also threatens to displace millions of workers, leading to economic insecurity and widening inequality. The unintended consequence of AI-driven progress is a potential future where technological advancement outpaces society's ability to adapt, leaving many behind in a world dominated by machines.
Perhaps the most chilling example of technical innovation with disastrous consequences is the field of eugenics. In the early 20th century, eugenics was promoted as a scientific method for improving the genetic quality of the human population. This involved selective breeding, forced sterilizations, and other forms of genetic manipulation, often targeting marginalized groups deemed "unfit." Eugenics was justified by a belief in the power of science and technology to engineer a better society, but it quickly became a tool for horrific human rights abuses, including the atrocities committed during the Holocaust. The legacy of eugenics serves as a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in technological advancements that prioritize control and manipulation of human life over ethical considerations. It stands as a warning of what can happen when the pursuit of progress is divorced from humanity.
I know what you might be thinking: the dark history of eugenics may seem like a relic of the past … However, and disturbingly, its core ideas are finding new life within the modern techno bro-ligarch class. Among some of Silicon Valley’s most powerful figures, there is a growing obsession with the notion of "improving" the human race through selective reproduction and genetic engineering, echoing the dangerous ideologies of the past. This modern eugenics movement is often cloaked in calls to have more children, especially among the "elite," and is intertwined with alarming theories of "white replacement"—a belief espoused by Trump and his followers that the white population is under threat of being overtaken by non-white groups. These ideas are not just fringe beliefs; they are being normalized and amplified by those who wield significant influence in both technology and politics, raising urgent questions about the direction in which they are steering society. This resurgence of eugenic thinking among today’s techno elite demands scrutiny, as it threatens to perpetuate the same destructive ideologies that once led to some of history’s darkest chapters.
The Modern Eugenics (Pronatalism)
In recent years, pronatalism has gained traction among some of Silicon Valley's most influential figures. This movement advocates for increased reproduction, particularly among those considered highly intelligent or successful—believing that such individuals are essential to ensuring the future of human civilization. Prominent tech leaders like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel have championed this ideology, arguing that the smartest and most capable people have a duty to procreate more. This vision, which elevates the elite’s role in shaping humanity’s future, reflects a broader belief in the tech world’s power to direct the course of society.
Elon Musk has been particularly vocal in his support for pronatalism. He has repeatedly expressed concern about global population decline, suggesting that if the most capable individuals don't have more children, civilization could collapse. Musk's stance is rooted in his broader vision of a future where technological innovation and human expansion—especially into space—are crucial to overcoming existential threats. However, his call for increased reproduction among the elite raises ethical concerns, as it closely mirrors eugenic ideas that prioritize certain traits and people over others.
Likewise, Peter Thiel is another major figure in the pronatalist movement. Thiel has shown a deep interest in technologies that could extend life and preserve the genetic legacy of the elite. His support for pronatalism aligns with his belief that the future should be shaped by the most capable and innovative individuals, and that their genes should be preserved for the betterment of society. This mindset, while framed as a forward-thinking approach, dangerously echoes eugenic ideologies by suggesting that some people are more "fit" to shape the future than others.
JD Vance, now the Republican nominee for Vice President, has long been influenced by these Silicon Valley elites — he actually worked for Thiel. Vance has proposed a radical pronatalist policy: giving parents additional votes for each of their children. This idea is rooted in a post-liberal vision that seeks to reshape democratic processes in favor of families deemed essential to societal survival. Vance's close ties to Silicon Valley’s pronatalists underscore how these ideas are not just fringe beliefs, but are being pushed into the mainstream of American politics, raising serious concerns about the future of democracy.
While pronatalism may appear to address legitimate concerns about population decline, its focus on elite reproduction carries significant dangers. This movement’s alignment with figures like Musk, Thiel, and Vance risks reinforcing social inequalities and perpetuating a narrow, exclusionary vision of humanity's future. The echoes of eugenic thinking in pronatalism are alarming, as they prioritize the reproduction of certain traits and groups, undermining the fundamental democratic principle of equality. As these ideas gain influence, especially with Vance's rise in politics, it is crucial to critically examine their implications for society and democracy.
A Post-Liberal America
If a post-liberal America were to emerge under the influence of leaders who espouse the most extreme elements of Trump’s rhetoric and Silicon Valley’s pronatalist ideology, the country would soon face a grim reality. The government would prioritize the reproduction of the "right kind of people," leading to the implementation of draconian policies that strip away fundamental rights and freedoms, particularly for the working class and marginalized communities.
Elimination of Reproductive Rights
In this dystopian vision, reproductive rights would be one of the first casualties. Policies would be enacted to force women to carry pregnancies to term, regardless of personal choice or circumstances. Abortion would be completely outlawed, and access to contraceptives severely restricted or banned. The government’s obsession with increasing birth rates among certain demographics would lead to mandatory procreation policies, where women are coerced into having multiple children to meet state-imposed quotas. This would be particularly oppressive for the working class, who would bear the brunt of these reproductive mandates, further entrenching economic and social inequalities.
An End to Divorce and the Erosion of Family Autonomy
To ensure the reproduction of the "right kind of people," the right to divorce would be heavily curtailed or eliminated entirely, even in cases of abusive marriages. The state would impose strict controls over family life, promoting the idea that staying in a marriage—no matter how harmful—is necessary for the greater good of society. Women and children would be trapped in abusive environments with no legal recourse, leading to widespread suffering and a breakdown of personal autonomy. The government’s interference in family matters would be justified by the pronatalist agenda, framing these sacrifices as essential to the nation’s survival.
Impact on the Working Class
The working class would suffer disproportionately under this post-liberal regime. Economic inequality would worsen as social safety nets are dismantled to fund state-run pronatalist programs. Workers would be expected to adhere to rigid family structures, with little room for personal choice or dissent. Labor rights would be eroded, as the government prioritizes the needs of the elite and their vision for society over the well-being of ordinary citizens. The relentless focus on procreation and "traditional" family values would exacerbate gender and class divides, leaving the working class more vulnerable and marginalized than ever before.
A Society of Control and Conformity
In this dystopian future, America would become a society of control and conformity, where individuality is suppressed, and the state dictates every aspect of life. The government’s fixation on creating a certain kind of population would lead to widespread surveillance and enforcement of moral and reproductive codes. Those who fail to comply with these new norms—whether by refusing to procreate, seeking divorce, or simply not fitting the state’s ideal—would be punished, ostracized, or worse. The end result would be a deeply divided, authoritarian society where the rights and freedoms of the many are sacrificed for the ambitions of a powerful few.
A Call to Action for All Americans
As a lifelong Republican and adherent to Classical Liberalism, which champions individual freedom, limited government, and the rule of law, I feel compelled to speak out against the current trajectory of the Republican Party under the influence of MAGA extremists. Classical Liberalism values the Constitution and the right of every American to pursue happiness as they define it, free from excessive government interference. However, the authoritarian direction espoused by Trump and his supporters threatens these core principles and the very fabric of our democracy.
Despite the misleading claims and fear-mongering from the Trump administration about the Biden record and their constant warnings about "leftist socialism," what they offer is nothing more than a different flavor of authoritarianism.
Aside: let’s get real about the difference between the Trump and Biden administrations in terms of market performance is nothing to write home about. Under both administrations it has been going up. When you factor in the bottom induced by the COVID crunch (lower than where the Trump administration started) the Biden record might be the best in history in terms of market growth.
Their vision of America is one where the government exerts control over personal freedoms, dictates family structures, and prioritizes the interests of the elite over those of the ordinary citizen. This is a betrayal of the Classical Liberal values that have long defined the Republican Party and a dangerous step toward a future where individual liberty is sacrificed for the ambitions of a powerful few.
In this election season, it is crucial for all Americans who cherish the Constitution and the freedoms it guarantees to cross the aisle and support candidates who truly uphold these values. Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz offer a vision of America that respects individual rights, promotes equality, and ensures that every citizen has the opportunity to pursue their own version of happiness. Their commitment to democracy and the rule of law stands in stark contrast to the authoritarian rhetoric of the MAGA movement.
I urge my fellow Republicans, and all Americans who value freedom and democracy, to reject the divisive and authoritarian agenda of Trump and his supporters. By supporting Harris and Walz in their bid for the White House in 2024, we can protect the core principles of Classical Liberalism and ensure that America remains a beacon of liberty and justice for all. This is not just about party loyalty; it is about preserving the very essence of what it means to be American.