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Trump’s first day shows the ‘triumph of toxic tech capitalism’

For all their previously progressive leanings, the tech sector billionaires know that a hawkish president who values commercial victory over anything else, is the most lucrative ally they could have wished for.

Paul Smith
Paul SmithTechnology editor

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No wonder Elon Musk was pumped as he took to the stage at Donald Trump’s Presidential Parade post-inauguration rally, he must think that all his Christmases have come at once.

“Yeeeeees … This is what victory feels like,” the world’s richest man yelled to a cheering crowd. “This is a fork in the road of human civilisation,” he said before thanking supporters with a chest beat and hand gesture that has led to accusations of Nazi salutes.

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Paul Smith edits the technology coverage and has been a leading writer on the sector for 20 years. He covers big tech, business use of tech, the fast-growing Australian tech industry and start-ups, telecommunications and national innovation policy. Connect with Paul on Twitter. Email Paul at psmith@afr.com

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    Original URL: https://www.afr.com/technology/trump-s-first-day-shows-the-triumph-of-toxic-tech-capitalism-20250121-p5l65v