The New Governing Coalition: MAGA Meets the Tech Right at the Coronation Ball

The Rise of a Counter-Elite

The upcoming Coronation Ball at the Watergate Hotel is not just a celebration of Donald Trump's second inauguration; it's a testament to the rise of a new counter-elite, one that aspires to supplant the existing establishment in every sphere.

Drawn from disparate backgrounds, this alliance includes young right-wing publishers like Passage Press; tech billionaires like Marc Andreessen; and avowed Silicon Valley opponents like Steve Bannon.

Fissures within the Coalition

Despite their shared ambition, the coalition is plagued by rivalries and divisions. The most significant fault line separates those who embrace Trump's populist nationalism (MAGA) from those who prioritize economic growth and technological innovation (Tech Right).

This divide erupted in December over the H-1B visa program, with the MAGA side wary of foreign competition and the Tech Right seeking a global pool of talent.

The Tech Right's Influence

The Tech Right emerged as a force to be reckoned with after Trump's 2016 victory, injecting money, manpower, and "elite human capital" into his administration. They helped fill the void left by traditional Republican donors.

Conservative Discontent

However, the MAGA movement's core remains suspicious of the tech industry's promise of progress. They view America as a nation with a distinct identity founded on its European heritage, threatened by globalism and technological disruption.

Steve Bannon's Challenge

Steve Bannon sees the Tech Right as a threat to the "natural human order" he wishes to restore. He has publicly challenged the movement's leaders, including Elon Musk, labeling them "evil" and "technofeudalists."

Philosophical Roots of the Divide

Political theorist Patrick Deneen argues that the American right has consistently prioritized free markets over social stability, leading to economic instability and the erosion of traditional values.

Jonathan Askonas contends that the GOP's failure to address the transformative power of technology has left a void that the Tech Right has filled.

Finding Common Ground

Despite the animosity, some see opportunities for collaboration. Jeremy Carl of the Claremont Institute believes that both the MAGA and Tech Right seek to return America to greatness, albeit through different means.

Julie Fredrickson, a venture capitalist and crypto enthusiast, shares some concerns with MAGA over government regulations hindering innovation and competition.

The Tech Right's Critics

Steve Bannon argues that the Tech Right hasn't created any truly transformative innovations, focusing solely on algorithms. Peter Thiel doubts the transformative potential of social media and smartphones and believes that dismantling government regulations would have little impact.

Short-Term Prospects

Geneticist and tech consultant Razib Khan predicts that the Tech Right will prevail initially, due to its talent and financial resources. However, he believes that the MAGA movement's adherence to Christian faith and heritocratic ideals will ultimately lead to a balance.

The Role of JD Vance and Trump

Vice President JD Vance, a former venture capitalist with ties to both the MAGA and Tech Right, may play a key role in bridging the divide. He leans towards populism but is also connected to Indian Americans and their values.

Trump himself has maintained a distance from the internal conflicts, but he could ultimately side with the faction that provides him with the most support and political power.