Andreessen Horowitz Co-Founders Endorse Trump Over Biden on Technology Policies
Co-Founders Back Trump’s Supportive Stance on Technology
Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz, co-founders of Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), a prominent venture capital firm, have publicly endorsed former President Donald Trump due to his supportive policies regarding technology, including crypto and AI.
The two founders announced their support on July 17 during an appearance on “The Ben & Marc Show” podcast. The decision marks a significant departure for Andreessen, who has a history of endorsing Democratic candidates.
Reasons Behind the Endorsement
The endorsement is based on the belief that Trump’s policies are more advantageous for the technology sector. Horowitz acknowledged the controversy their political stance might generate, saying:
“I wish we didn’t have to pick a side.”
However, he emphasized that the future of their business and American technology is at stake. The co-founders further argued that technological innovation is crucial for the US to maintain its economic and military dominance.
Biden’s Policies Criticized
The a16z co-founders said during the podcast that Trump’s stance toward technology is generally more favorable than the Biden administration, especially regarding artificial intelligence (AI) and crypto regulation.
They also criticized the current regime for excessive regulation and unnecessary taxation that stifles startup growth. Andreessen expressed particular concern about the Biden administration’s approach to AI regulation, fearing it could disadvantage the US compared to global competitors.
Horowitz recounted a recent dinner with Trump, during which the former president emphasized the importance of winning the AI race against China. He said:
“What he said to us is, ‘[AI] is very scary, but we absolutely have to win because if we don’t win, China wins’.”
The co-founders also praised Trump’s support for the crypto sector, contrasting it with what they described as punitive tax policies under Biden.
They added that they specifically oppose the proposal to tax unrealized capital gains, arguing that it would harm startups by taxing them on valuation increases that are not liquid.
Shift from Democratic Roots
Marc Andreessen’s support for Trump signals a major shift from his longstanding Democratic affiliations. Historically, he has backed a series of Democratic candidates, including Bill Clinton, Al Gore, John Kerry, Barack Obama, and Hillary Clinton — reflecting his alignment with their policies in the past.
However, his current support for Trump is driven by a belief that the former president’s policies better support the tech industry’s growth and innovation.
Conclusion
The endorsement of Donald Trump by Andreessen Horowitz co-founders Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz highlights the importance of technology in maintaining American economic and military dominance. While their stance may generate controversy, the co-founders believe that Trump’s policies will support the growth and innovation of the technology sector, ultimately benefiting the US and the world.
FAQs
Q: Why did Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz endorse Donald Trump?
A: They endorsed Trump due to his supportive policies regarding technology, including crypto and AI.
Q: Is this a departure from Andreessen’s Democratic affiliations?
A: Yes, Marc Andreessen has a history of endorsing Democratic candidates, but his current support for Trump is driven by a belief that the former president’s policies better support the tech industry’s growth and innovation.
Q: What are Andreessen Horowitz’s concerns about Biden’s policies?
A: They criticized the Biden administration’s approach to AI regulation, fearing it could disadvantage the US compared to global competitors, and praised Trump’s support for the crypto sector and criticism of excessive regulation and taxation.
