_WHAT’S HAPPENING_

Several major tech leaders have begun publicly or privately pushing back against the Trump administration following ICE operations in Minneapolis that left two dead.

After weeks of near-total silence and visible efforts to stay aligned with President Trump, a small but notable group of executives has signaled concern over the scale and tactics of federal immigration enforcement. The shift marks a break from Big Tech’s early second-term strategy of cozying up to President Trump through donations and flattery to avoid tariffs and regulation from his administration.

_THE FACTS_

  • OpenAI CEO Sam Altman wrote in an internal Slack message that "what's happening with ICE is going too far," while still calling Trump "a very strong leader."

  • Anthropic president Daniela Amodei posted on LinkedIn that she was "horrified and sad," adding that "freedom of speech, civil liberties, the rule of law, and human decency are cornerstones of American democracy."

  • Apple CEO Tim Cook attended a White House VIP screening of the Melania Trump documentary on January 24, the same day Pretti was killed; he later sent an internal memo calling for "de-escalation" and claiming he spoke to Trump about the issue.

  • Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella have said nothing publicly about the Minneapolis killings as of this writing.

  • X CEO Elon Musk, on the other hand, posted that Renee Good had "almost killed" the ICE agent before he shot her.

  • CEOs of roughly 60 Minnesota-based companies, including 3M and Target, released a joint letter calling for federal and local officials to de-escalate.

  • Tech leaders are credited with persuading the Trump administration to cancel plans to move ICE agents into San Francisco last October.

_INSIGHTS_

Early in Trump’s second term, tech executives believed their loyalty to the president would buy them protection. They made copious donations, including to Trump’s inauguration fund and the new White House ballroom, and are contributing to major new AI infrastructure projects.

Outside Washington, Big Tech depends on highly ideological left-leaning workforces in major cities, and when their employees demand statements on contentious issues, the leaders’ silence risks walkouts, resignations, and leaks. Trump has already extracted much of what he wanted from Big Tech, so although Silicon Valley executives may have to placate their employees by pushing back against the president from time to time, Trump likely knows he still will have allies when he needs them.

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Jenny H10 months ago

I think trump should keep a good relationship, but not at the expense of the law. ICE doesn’t need to deescalate, the rioters need to deescalate. We need to take care of our own people, and the best way to do that is stop bleeding money to illegal migrants.

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Alc Cookeville10 months ago

Or even allow them to stay.

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Robert Baublitz 10 months ago

The Executive Branch of our government's job, is to Execute (carry out) the law. The two rioters who died, committed suicide. Remind them that the First Amendment says "peaceable protest" PERIOD. That means NOT interfering with law enforcement. Tell them marxists to stop. And then leave our Constitutional Republic. They are the enemy. They are the lawless. They are the Insurrectionists.

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Alc Cookeville10 months ago

And THEY are the murderous lunatics who will never stop wasting their dupes to gain power. We saw them in Vietnam, Imperial Russia, and Germany gaining power by terrorizing the people. If they block or interfere with law enforcement in any way whatsoever, arrest them immediately and remove them from obstruction of the mission. THIS IS A REAL INSURRECTION AND THE RESPONSE MUST BE STRONG. Anything less is surrender.

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Chuck Bee10 months ago

Yes, I think it's important for the president to maintain good relations with big tech. The thing that is really bothering me about all of these executives and media talking heads calling for ICE to de-escalate is - where are the calls for the anti-ICE activists to de-escalate??? This is all their fault.

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Fred Scott10 months ago

President Trump should explain to the tech leaders his commitment to improving our country for all people, not just them. While keeping a civil relationship with all companies throughout our country, to create an environment for growth. And stand firm against those who oppose returning our country to prosperity.

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Pat Jackson10 months ago

I do not feel President Trump should be influenced by what the big tech companies want, by trying to bully the rest of America into being submissive to the violent actions of a few.

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Jim Harmon10 months ago

Yes, I think the President should maintain relationships with influential companies in the big tech sector. Many of his goals can be assisted by support from big tech. He has proven he is independent and not easily influenced when it differs from his priorities. The fact that some mentioned ICE scaling back their tactics is not an issue. They have the right to voice opposition if necessary. I wish those many would put the pressure on Minneapolis' mayor to support ICE instead of ordering law enforcement to "stand down." Those two deaths, while tragic, are the fault of the mayor and the governor who should be held accountable for violating the law.

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Don G10 months ago

Yes. The verbal exchanges should be heard by both sides but calling rioters who are defying law enforcement is not peaceful protest.

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Jorge Rios10 months ago

Maintaining a good relationship does not mean bowing down to them, or everyone always agreeing on everything. There can be differing opinions yet cordial dialog and learning opportunities for both sides of the issue. The expression of opinions and differing view points is how the best communication is maintained and the best outcomes achieved. The art of the deal requires communication and proposing differing ideas even if at first they appear outlandish or ridiculous.

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JJW JJW10 months ago

He should keep a good relationship witth sane Americans. And stop the flow of money to the rioters. We need peaceful protestors not paid rioters. JJW

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Fred Rogers10 months ago

The fact is that politicians are influenced in their motivation by large political donations. Clearly quid pro quo.

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S Lyon9 months ago

While our experience tells us you are right about money=influence. It’s hard to buy a billionaire. Ask Musk, Mr Trump slowed him down.

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Jim Ahern10 months ago

The paid shill rioters need to "de-escalate" and stay off the streets where they don't belong attempting to obstruct lawful operations. Why aren't the CEO's saying that? And let these little lefty liberals resign their positions in solidarity to the "cause". Guess what Big Tech CEO's, your rid of DEI/Woke employees and you don't have to pay them a dime of unemployment as a result of their quitting. WIN-WIN! If Trump is truly trying to do what's right for the country, per lawful foundations and principles, then he will give a shit less about what Big Tech's political pandering position is on the matter..

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LK Hollers10 months ago

I don't think he should do anything that would unnecessarily create a rift, but he cannot allow any group to have undue influence especially in this arena. Have the tech company objectors also expressed their concern and outrage at the leadership in Minneapolis and Minnesota? These tech companies could have a very effective message to Minnesotans that they could find other locations for their businesses. Target has recently danced on the head of the transgender pin and lost a number of customers.

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Richard Quantum9 months ago

"Big Tech" have always denied facts and truth when they look at it in the face. Stupidly, by the way. Mr. Trump is actuallly doing all he can, but "Big Tech" wants cheap immigrant (and not necessarily legal) labor. I keep seeing the "see no evil" monkeys when I think about "big tech."

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S Lyon9 months ago

What does Meta needed with unskilled immigrants?

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Glenn Meyer10 months ago

Absolutely continue talking to and working with Big Tech! Cancel Culture must end now! And it starts with you!

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James Coutu10 months ago

Why are we listening? To store ownership when they cat even sell products that don’t kill people let them clean up their own house before throwing stones

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S Lyon9 months ago

What did he post?

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Doug Ebbecke10 months ago

Don’t think he should alienate them, but regardless of their wishes he should continue to do what he’s been doing and a big reason he won the election. Deporting illegals and cracking down on fraud, regardless of who’s guilty. America first is the top priority for him and his administration.

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Barbara Cousin10 months ago

No. He doesnt know enough not to get swindled.