In the vibrant and ever-evolving landscape of American politics, a notable convergence of Silicon Valley’s elite and high-ranking Trump administration officials recently took place at the Ritz-Carlton in Miami. This gathering was orchestrated by the Rockbridge Network, an emerging powerhouse aiming to reshape the political infrastructure of the Republican Party.
Founded in 2019 by J.D. Vance, who now serves as Vice President, and financier Chris Buskirk, the Rockbridge Network was conceived as a response to what its founders perceived as a failing political system. Their vision? To craft a dynamic, technology-oriented alliance on the right that could invigorate the party and supplant an outdated ecosystem of think tanks, media organizations, and activist groups. With a membership cap of under 200, the organization operates on an invite-only basis, charging an annual fee of $100,000, primarily funneled into political causes.
The recent conference showcased the network’s growing influence, drawing an eclectic mix of venture capitalists, private equity moguls, and government officials. Attendees included prominent figures such as venture capitalists Chamath Palihapitiya and Keith Rabois, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. The intimate nature of the event fostered an environment where deals could be struck and relationships cultivated, similar to the exclusive Sun Valley retreat but infused with a distinct political edge.
A Rockbridge insider articulated the essence of these gatherings: “The whole purpose is to bring donors, venture capitalists, private equity folks, and CEOs together with high-level officials making the big decisions for the country.” This blend of business and politics is not merely coincidental; it reflects a calculated strategy to harness the financial muscle of tech investors to bolster the Republican agenda.
At the conference, attendees engaged in panels featuring notable speakers, including the Winklevoss twins discussing cryptocurrency and Palantir’s Shyam Sankar presenting on defense technology. However, unlike typical conferences, the Rockbridge events are designed to facilitate not just networking but also fundraising for tech companies and support for political initiatives—all in a singular, high-stakes environment.
The impact of Rockbridge is already palpable. At their November 2024 conference in Las Vegas, Donald Trump Jr. announced his new position at 1789 Capital, an investment firm co-founded by Buskirk and Omeed Malik. This firm emerged directly from the relationships cultivated at Rockbridge gatherings, underlining the network’s role as a breeding ground for both investment and ideological alignment. Notably, 1789 Capital has vigorously criticized Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, positioning itself within the so-called “parallel economy” that seeks to challenge conventional corporate norms.
The organization’s influence was further underscored by Malik’s recent appointment to the board of Fannie Mae, which was celebrated at the Miami conference. The presence of significant figures such as William Pulte, head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, highlighted the strategic importance of their collaborations.
The Rockbridge Network aims to be more than just a conduit for political donations; it seeks to forge a new ideological path for a younger, tech-savvy generation of conservatives. As one source noted, “Outcomes like that are the whole purpose — to create the new tech-oriented right of center group for people. It’s supporting our ideological views for our generation.”
As political dynamics shift and evolve, the Rockbridge Network is poised to play a critical role in shaping the future of the Republican Party, with its influence likely to extend well into potential future administrations. Treasury Secretary Bessent’s remarks at the conference hinted at a long-term vision, suggesting that the group’s work could significantly impact Donald Trump’s projected third term in 2028.
In an era where technology and politics are increasingly intertwined, the Rockbridge Network exemplifies how a new breed of political infrastructure is being built—one that leverages the resources and insights of Silicon Valley to redefine the Republican narrative. For those closely watching the interplay of business, technology, and politics, the emergence of such networks is not just noteworthy; it signals a profound transformation in how political alliances are forged and maintained in the 21st century.
