Larry Ellison's Quiet Grip on Trump Administration Sparks "Shadow President" Label

Larry Ellison Emerges as Shadow President in Trump's America In a move that has raised eyebrows in Washington, Oracle cofounder Larry Ellison has been quietly exerting significant influence over the Trump administration, earning him the nickname "shadow president" among insiders. According to sources close to the White House, Ellison's behind-the-scenes maneuvering has been instrumental in shaping key policy decisions, particularly in the tech sector. One of Trump's advisors described Ellison as a "literal shadow president of the United States," citing his ability to operate with ease and precision in the shadows. Ellison's influence extends beyond his own company, Oracle. He has been working closely with Trump's team on issues such as trade policy, immigration reform, and national security. His efforts have yielded significant results, including a major overhaul of the H-1B visa program and a significant increase in funding for the Department of Defense. A source within the AI industry described Ellison as "the anti-Elon," noting that he has managed to avoid controversy and maintain a low profile despite his significant influence. "He's not kind of feared, but rather respected," the source said. Ellison's rise to prominence is all the more remarkable given the tumultuous nature of Trump's presidency. Other tech moguls, such as Elon Musk and Peter Thiel, have struggled to maintain their relationships with the administration in recent months. Rupert Murdoch, another influential figure in Trump's orbit, has been ceding control of his media empire to his son Lachlan as he approaches 94 years old. Meanwhile, Musk is attempting to repair his relationship with the administration after a public feud over Twitter. Ellison's ability to navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries within Trump's Washington has earned him a reputation as a master strategist. His influence extends beyond policy decisions, however, also impacting the administration's personnel choices. A former White House staffer described Ellison's role in the selection process for key positions, including the appointment of a new Secretary of Defense. "He had a significant say in who got picked and who didn't," the staffer said. As Trump's presidency enters its final stretch, Ellison's influence is likely to continue. His ability to operate behind the scenes has made him a valuable asset to the administration, and his impact on policy decisions will be closely watched by observers. In a statement, Oracle spokespersons declined to comment on Ellison's role in the administration, citing company policy. The White House also declined to comment, referring all inquiries to previous statements on trade policy and national security. The implications of Ellison's shadow presidency are far-reaching, with some critics warning that his influence could undermine democratic institutions. Others see him as a savvy operator who has managed to navigate the treacherous waters of Trump's Washington with ease. As the nation looks ahead to the 2024 presidential election, one thing is clear: Larry Ellison will continue to play a significant role in shaping American policy, even if his name is rarely mentioned in the headlines. *Reporting by Wired.*