A prominent ally of Donald Trump signaled a growing rift between the MAGA base and the “tech bros” that the former president-elect has recently engaged with. The source of the outrage was Trump’s recent appointment of internet entrepreneur Sriram Krishnan, a known contributor to Democratic campaigns, as a senior policy advisor for Artificial Intelligence.
Krishnan’s appointment, along with Trump’s recent dinners with tech leaders and acceptance of major donations from Silicon Valley billionaires, has raised questions among some of his most loyal supporters. One such critic, far-right influencer Laura Loomer, spoke out after the Christmas holiday, expressing her dismay over Trump’s new ties to the tech elite.
“I can’t imagine someone donating to a Democrat who said Trump should be impeached over Ukraine then getting a promotion to go advise Trump in the White House. Truly shocking,” Loomer wrote in a post reacting to Krishnan’s role.
Loomer, who accompanied Trump on parts of the 2024 campaign, went on to challenge the future of MAGA support, asking, “Should MAGA stay home in 2026?” She expressed deep concern over Trump’s recent alliances, wondering aloud who his campaign and administration would prioritize.
“I want [Team Trump] to let us know who is a priority,” Loomer wrote on X. “The MAGA base or an anti-Trump Democrat congressman who gets donations from tech bros and voted to impeach Trump? I just want to know what to tell voters in 2026 when they ask me if they should vote.”
The tension between Trump’s base and his outreach to tech figures is further complicated by his support for Karrin Taylor Robson’s Arizona gubernatorial bid, which Loomer also criticized after Trump voiced his backing at a right-wing event. Loomer’s comments underscore growing concerns within the MAGA movement about Trump’s alignment with the tech world, which many perceive as out of step with the core values of the movement.
This controversy signals a potential shift in the dynamics of Trump’s political alliances, as he navigates the delicate balance between his loyal supporters and the influence of Silicon Valley.