Trump, tech and Texas: What's next for the US?
straitstimes.com -- Sunday, August 17, 2025, 5:22:14 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Categories: Presidential Campaigns, Economic Policy & Jobs, Democratic Party Responses
AUSTIN, Texas - Friends in Washington warned me that I was going to Texas at exactly the wrong time and season - that Austin was going to be uncomfortably hot and sticky.
Being a transplant from Singapore, that scared me not at all.
But they were right. Texas is hot all right.
It is smack-dab in the middle of a political fight, instrumental in either keeping US President Donald Trump's hold on power or weakening it midway into
his term in the 2026 congressional elections.
The Lone Star state's economy also runs hot; it is the fire underneath the bubbling pot of the national economy.
Record numbers of businesses flock here every year, contributing to its gross domestic product of more than US$2.6 trillion (S$3.3 trillion), making it a larger economy than Canada, South Korea or Australia.
For 13 straight years, Texas has led the nation in job-creating projects. But while the numbers are impressive, they do not tell the whole story.
To grasp Texas, skip the stats and simply look around Austin. The state capital has an unsettled air, like the city itself is on the move, hurrying into a future hastily imagined.
More than US$20 billion in new projects is reshaping its skyline, reinventing neighbourhoods, workspaces, shopping areas and parks.
On the somewhat unkempt roads, it feels as though the future, too, is hurrying to find a foothold amid the ruins of the past.
At a traffic junction, I saw a motorist honk at a Waymo robotaxi when it waited a beat too long after the traffic light turned green.
The sight is a little unsettling: There is no one behind the wheel of the medium-sized car. The traffic is heavy.
The driverless car moves forward in a smooth motion, with no jerks or starts, almost like a tracking shot in a movie.
A head is visible from behind, a lone passenger in the back seat.
It would not be the first time that a frontier spirit is shaping the next chapter of the American story.
Texas is Trump country, maybe even more than a Republican one.
The state has voted red in every presidential election since 1980. But Mr Trump's 2024 victory was still special as it set the record for the most votes ever - more than six million - received by a presidential candidate in Texas.
And now, as he exerts the power of his office to recast the US in his own image, Mr Trump is counting on a Texas "wall" that will prevent the Democrats from stymieing his agenda.
"We're entitled to five more seats," Mr Trump declared in early August, calling on Texan Republicans to redraw congressional district boundaries to build on the party's advantage in the US House of Representatives.
The Republicans currently hold a slim majority of five seats in the House.
A redistricting exercise can potentially add five more
by improving the chances of flipping Democrat-held seats.
Redistricting is done every decade to keep up with population shifts. Texas last refreshed district boundaries in 2021 and no law prevents a do-over.
There is no mystery about the political urgency behind the push. It is designed to ensure that Mr Trump can spend his final two years in office with Congress at his back instead of in his way.
The Democrats, who would then need a much larger national vote shift to win the House, are putting up quite a fight.
The week after I arrived in Austin, state Democratic legislators fled to other states to deny the Texas government a quorum to hold the session to effect redistricting.
Governor Greg Abbott asked them to "come back and fight like Texans" and threatened to arrest or remove them from office if they did not return to the legislature.
They are still away.
The seriousness of the effort serves to underscore Mr Trump's sway in the state.
But redistricting is by no means a foolproof endeavour.
The infamous "midterm effect" may just be too strong to be stopped by a few lines redrawn on the electoral map. It is almost a law in US politics that the party holding the presidency loses seats in midterm elections.
The Democrats, however, are not well placed to take advantage of an anti-incumbency wave.
The party is in disarray, leaderless and dispirited by the sweeping changes being pushed through by the White House.
Still, the prospect of gains in the midterms may push them to campaign harder, knock on more doors and pump more flesh.
It is also possible that the moment of crisis throws up a leader who can seize it.
There is some hope, in progressive corners of the party, about a new Democratic star rising in the east. Mr Zohran Mamdani, a young politician with an easy manner and the ability to "connect" with people, is the runaway favourite to win the New York City mayoral election set for Nov 4 and become its first Muslim mayor.
The 33-year-old is being celebrated with the same fervour I saw in 2008 for the young Barack Obama in his presidential campaign.
But Mr Mamdani will have to prove himself as mayor, and it would be unusual if a New York liberal emerged as the voice of Middle America.
If nothing changes before 2026, the outcome of the midterms could come down to redistricting.
Indeed, the Texas effort has set off a national scramble. California and at least six other states have said they will also look at redrawing congressional maps in a fight for the "future of the republic".
In sum, Texas is at the heart of what is becoming a soul-searching on the national scale: How much is power worth, and what will you do to keep it?
Mr Trump's answer seems to be: everything, and anything.
For him, all roads to 2026 run through Texas.
It is easy to spot the poster child of the Texan economy from afar.
The distinctive long, flat roof of Tesla chief executive Elon Musk's Gigafactory, its solar panels glinting in the sun, is unmissable from the window of a plane landing at Austin airport.
It is what many Austinites point at, with pride, as a symbol of the state's tech cred and future-oriented economy.
The factory reportedly employs around 20,000 - with the average annual wage standing at US$74,000 - and boosts local skill sets, start-ups and suppliers. Seen as a prime example of government and private industry partnership, it is a calling card for the successful Texas mix of the low-tax, low-regulation climate.
Above all, it is proof that the US still makes things - that it still has a future in manufacturing.
"You've got to see it," said my hairdresser, although she said it had made traffic worse in her area and added pointedly that she could not afford a Tesla even if she took on a second job.
At the very least, the Texas experience suggests that tech might not remain a West Coast thing.
California might still host tech's brain trust, but Texas is its muscle - building big and furious.
The explosion of data centres makes that point. The state now ranks second, only behind Virginia, in erecting the physical infrastructure for artificial intelligence (AI).
The mother of them all is Stargate, a US$500 billion project backed by OpenAI, Oracle and SoftBank.
Coming up in Abilene, a three-hour drive from Austin, it is a strategic bet on US leadership in AI.
It is also Texas claiming ownership of the 21st century's great tech frontier.
More in your face - or at least in your lane - are the driverless taxis in Austin. With its permissive regulatory environment, the city is quickly becoming a testing ground for tomorrow's mobility.
The pioneer Waymo, Alphabet's autonomous vehicle (AV) arm, operates more than 100 self-driving vehicles which can be ordered on the Uber app. Tesla's pilot robotaxi project, with a smaller fleet of Model Y cars, is about to go commercial in September. Amazon's Zoox and Volkswagen's van-like AVs also have a presence.
While AI and AVs speak of the state's embrace of the future, oil still holds sway, funding politics, culture and the very sense of the state's self-reliance.
The state has a reputation for friendliness towards people seeking a fresh start - nearly one in five residents is an immigrant.
But there is also some wariness of outsiders who do not share the state's narratives.
A leader in Mr Mamdani's mould will elicit a limited welcome here. Except perhaps in Austin, the famously liberal capital of a conservative state that proudly embraces its "weirdness" and wants to remain the last holdout against the advancing tide of sameness.
Texans cherish their distinct identity - think cowboy hats, boots and guitars, Tex-Mex spices and, yes, guns.
They also sport a chip on their shoulder: When they joined the union in 1845, they were already the Republic of Texas. They feel more than equal, it is often said, unwilling to be overshadowed.
For now, Mr Trump sees the state as the lock on the door to keep his agenda safe.
For the rest of the country, it's a reminder that scale, pragmatism and the will to act are still the forces shaping the US story.
And like with every good Texas story, there is a sense that the real ending has not been written yet.
Sign Our PetitionThe political landscape of Texas has always been a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of history, culture, and the relentless pursuit of power. The ongoing transformation in Texas, highlighted in recent discussions about its economic growth and demographic shifts, reflects deeper social struggles that resonate across the nation. With the state firmly in the grasp of the Republican Party—particularly under the influence of Donald Trump—Texas serves as a pivotal battleground not just for electoral contests but for broader ideological fights over democracy, representation, and social equity.
Texas has long been a Republican stronghold, consistently voting for the GOP in presidential elections since 1980. Trump’s imminent 2024 campaign, which saw him garnering over six million votes in Texas alone, underscores the significant role the state plays in his political strategy. This is not merely a reflection of partisan allegiance; it is emblematic of a larger trend in which demographic shifts and economic policies favor the interests of the few while marginalizing the many. The promised redistricting efforts that Trump advocates are particularly alarming, as they not only aim to entrench Republican power but also threaten to dilute the voices of minority communities. This tactic, often referred to as gerrymandering, has historical roots in efforts to maintain political control through manipulation of electoral boundaries—an act that has been widely criticized for undermining the democratic process.
The burgeoning economy of Texas, boasting a GDP larger than that of several countries, paints an impressive picture. However, behind these statistics lies a troubling narrative of inequality and exploitation. The exponential job creation touted by state officials often masks the reality of low wages, precarious working conditions, and a lack of essential benefits for many Texans. As new businesses flock to the state, primarily in tech-driven sectors, the promise of prosperity is not equitably distributed. This is especially pertinent for marginalized communities, including people of color and low-income households, who often find themselves excluded from the economic advancements that are reshaping the urban landscape. The rapid influx of affluent tech workers into cities like Austin has led to skyrocketing housing costs, pushing many long-time residents out of their neighborhoods and exacerbating the crisis of affordability.
Moreover, the advent of technology in Texas, from driverless cars to advanced digital services, encapsulates the broader societal shift toward automation and AI. While these developments promise efficiency and innovation, they also raise critical questions about labor rights, job displacement, and the future of work. Many workers fear that their roles may become obsolete in an increasingly automated world, a scenario that disproportionately affects low-wage workers and those without access to retraining programs. As such, the current technological transformation must be approached with an eye toward equity and inclusion, ensuring that workers are empowered rather than left behind.
The political maneuvers taking place in Texas are not merely about local governance but reflect a national struggle over the very future of democracy in the United States. The ongoing efforts to manipulate electoral boundaries and suppress voter turnout, particularly among communities of color, echo historical attempts to disenfranchise marginalized groups. This is a stark reminder of the importance of grassroots organizing and advocacy for voting rights, as these efforts are essential in challenging systemic injustices. The fight for fair representation is intertwined with broader social movements advocating for racial, economic, and environmental justice.
In conclusion, the developments unfolding in Texas are a microcosm of the larger challenges facing the United States today. As the state grapples with the dual pressures of economic growth and political maneuvering, it is crucial for advocates of social justice to remain vigilant. Encouraging equitable policies, promoting fair labor practices, and fighting against gerrymandering and voter suppression are all part of a vital struggle to ensure that the promise of democracy is realized for all citizens. The conversations happening in Texas echo beyond its borders, inviting all of us to reflect on our roles in shaping a more just and inclusive society.
The political landscape in Texas is undergoing a seismic shift, fueled by a potent mix of economic growth, demographic changes, and partisan strategy. As detailed in the recent article, Texas not only leads the nation in job creation but also serves as a crucial battleground for the political ambitions of former President Donald Trump. The state's economy, which rivals that of entire countries, is a focal point of national interest, and its political dynamics present an urgent call to action for Americans who care about equitable governance and social justice. Understanding this context is essential for engaging in meaningful dialogue about the future of our democracy and the policies that shape it.
Historically, Texas has been a stronghold for the Republican Party, consistently voting red in presidential elections since 1980. The article highlights the unprecedented number of votes Trump received in 2024, reflecting not only his enduring popularity among Texans but also the strategic importance of the state in the national political arena. This phenomenon is not merely a product of individual charisma; it is deeply rooted in the state's history of conservatism, a legacy of its political figures, and an ongoing resistance to progressive policies. This backdrop makes it crucial for advocates of progressive change to recognize that the fight for a more inclusive and equitable society must include addressing the Texas political machine head-on.
One of the key issues at play is redistricting, a process that can significantly alter the balance of power in Congress. Trump's call for a new round of redistricting to bolster Republican seats raises critical questions about representation, democracy, and fairness. Redistricting should ideally reflect the true demographics of the population, ensuring that all voices are heard. However, history has shown that it can often serve as a tool for entrenching power rather than empowering communities. This presents a unique opportunity for advocates of social equity to push for transparent and fair redistricting processes that prioritize community input and protect minority representation. Engaging in grassroots organizing and coalition-building can amplify the voices of those who are often marginalized in these discussions.
As citizens, we can take concrete steps to counteract the concentrated efforts of partisan gerrymandering. We can advocate for independent redistricting commissions that remove political bias from the drawing of district lines. This is not merely an academic exercise; it is a vital action that can lead to more representative governance. Additionally, supporting organizations that monitor and challenge unfair districting practices can help ensure that our electoral processes are just and equitable. We must also engage in voter registration drives, particularly in communities that have historically been underrepresented, to ensure that all voices are included in the political discourse.
Moreover, education plays a pivotal role in shaping public perception and policy. By raising awareness about the implications of redistricting and the significance of fair representation, we can foster a more informed electorate. It is essential to communicate the importance of these issues not just as abstract concepts but as real-life impacts on our communities—affecting everything from healthcare access to education funding. Arming ourselves with facts and narratives can empower us to engage effectively with those who may hold differing views, encouraging constructive dialogue rather than divisive rhetoric.
In conclusion, the political landscape in Texas serves as a microcosm of broader national trends that warrant our attention and action. The interplay of economic growth, partisan strategy, and demographic shifts presents both challenges and opportunities for those committed to fostering a more equitable society. By advocating for fair redistricting, engaging in grassroots organizing, and prioritizing education, we can collectively work towards a political environment that truly reflects the diverse tapestry of American society. It's time to harness the power of informed activism to ensure that every citizen's voice is not just heard but amplified in the halls of power.
In light of the article discussing the political landscape in Texas and the implications of redistricting, there are several actionable steps we can take as engaged citizens to promote positive change. Here’s a detailed list of ideas and specific actions we can personally undertake:
### 1. **Educate Yourself and Others** - **Action**: Host or attend local discussions or educational sessions about redistricting and its impact on elections. - **Example**: Organize a community meeting in your neighborhood or at a local library to discuss gerrymandering and its effects on representation.
### 2. **Engage with Local Advocacy Groups** - **Action**: Connect with organizations that focus on electoral reform, voting rights, and fair representation. - **Example**: Get involved with groups such as the League of Women Voters or Common Cause. - **Contact**: - **League of Women Voters** - Website: www.lwv.org - Email: info@lwv.org - **Common Cause** - Website: www.commoncause.org - Email: info@commoncause.org
### 3. **Sign Petitions for Electoral Reform** - **Action**: Actively participate in petitions advocating for fair redistricting practices. - **Example**: Use platforms like Change.org or MoveOn.org to find and sign petitions aimed at ensuring fair representation through independent redistricting commissions. - **Example Petition**: Search for petitions specifically calling for an end to gerrymandering.
### 4. **Contact Elected Officials** - **Action**: Write letters or emails to your local and state representatives expressing your concerns about redistricting and urging them to support fair practices. - **What to Say**: - Introduce yourself and state your concern regarding the potential for gerrymandering in Texas. - Emphasize the importance of fair representation and how redistricting should reflect the demographics and needs of the community. - Request that they support measures aimed at independent redistricting. - **Example Contacts**: - **Texas Governor Greg Abbott** - Email: https://gov.texas.gov/contact - Mailing Address: Office of the Governor, P.O. Box 12428, Austin, TX 78711-2428 - **Texas State Senator (find your local senator)** - Website: www.senate.texas.gov - **Texas State Representative (find your local representative)** - Website: www.house.texas.gov
### 5. **Raise Awareness on Social Media** - **Action**: Use your social media platforms to inform friends and followers about the implications of redistricting and the need for electoral reform. - **Example**: Share articles, infographics, and your personal thoughts on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to engage your network in discussions about voting rights.
### 6. **Participate in Local Elections** - **Action**: Make it a priority to vote in local elections, which often have a direct impact on redistricting decisions. - **Example**: Research candidates’ positions on redistricting and vote for those who support fair practices.
### 7. **Volunteer for Campaigns or Organizations** - **Action**: Offer your time to grassroots organizations or political campaigns that advocate for transparent electoral processes. - **Example**: Join a local campaign for a candidate who is committed to reforming the redistricting process.
### 8. **Write Op-Eds or Letters to the Editor** - **Action**: Share your perspective through local newspapers or online platforms. - **What to Say**: Express your views on the importance of fair representation and the dangers of gerrymandering, encouraging others to take action as well.
### 9. **Attend Town Hall Meetings** - **Action**: Participate in town hall meetings to voice your concerns and ask questions about redistricting and electoral reform. - **Example**: If your local representative holds a town hall, attend and bring your questions and concerns regarding fair representation.
### 10. **Support Legislative Initiatives** - **Action**: Research and support legislative initiatives aimed at creating independent redistricting commissions. - **Example**: Follow bills in the Texas Legislature that pertain to redistricting and reach out to your representatives to express your support.
By taking these actions, we can contribute to the dialogue surrounding fair electoral practices and work towards a more equitable political landscape, especially in pivotal states like Texas. Each of us has a role to play in shaping our democracy and ensuring that every voice is heard.