Why Is Alphabet CEO Eric Schmidt Technically Serving In The Department Of Defense?

Tyler Durden's picture

Authored by Eric Lieberman via The Daily Caller,

Eric Schmidt, chief executive of Google parent company Alphabet, was appointed chairman of a Department of Defense program in 2016 that was established by former President Barack Obama’s administration.

A staunch supporter of the Democratic Party and critic of President Donald Trump, Schmidt still continues to lead the Defense Innovation Board (DIB), even well after the new administration took over in January. This begs the question: should Schmidt’s history of partisan advocacy and condemnation of Trump be a worrisome prospect for the current White House?

Regardless of the answer, Trump’s retention of Schmidt may be emblematic of more than political divisiveness within the current administration, like from “Obama holdovers.” In fact, it may be the opposite of unwanted internal discord and a sign of an underlying ethos for the Trump administration — diversity of thought.

“When you look at the composition of the initial Economic Advisory Board, it kind of reminds me of what Trump is doing here,” Justin Danhof, general counsel of the National Center for Public Policy Research and director of the Free Enterprise Project, told The Daily Caller News Foundation. “He’s putting together a team of rivals. If you want to get to the best ideas, you can’t have everyone in the room thinking the same thing.”

Alphabet announced on Thursday that Schmidt will be stepping down in January, marking the seeming end to a 17-year-career at Google and its parent company. It’s quite likely that he will maintain economic and personal interests in the business, especially since he’s expected to stay on as a member of Alphabet’s board of directors and serve as an adviser.

The DIB was formally created in March 2016, and former Secretary of Defense Ash Carter later announced that Schmidt would be heading the organization. Other specifically chosen board members include famous astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, LinkedIn cofounder Reid Hoffman, Wharton School of Business professor Dr. Adam Grant, Instagram COO Marne Levine, University of Texas chancellor and former Special Operations Command commander Navy Adm. William McRaven, among several others.

Some, like David Williams, president of the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, saw Schmidt’s taking of the helm as somewhat disconcerting given the “open-door policy” the Obama administration allegedly had with one of the country’s most powerful companies.

“There needs to be a massive amount of oversight with this Board,” Williams told TheDCNF. “If the DOD is contemplating new technology to address a new defense need, will it be skewed toward a technology that benefits Google or one of the companies? Massive potential for conflicts of interest with real taxpayer implications.”

And it’s not just personal business affairs that are concerning to some — Schmidt’s own brand of politics could conceivably come into play, whether intentionally or subconsciously. He was spotted wearing a staff badge during then-Democratic candidate for president Hillary Clinton’s election night party. Not long after, Schmidt reportedly told an audience of employees that Trump is “going to do these evil things as they’ve done in the immigration area and perhaps some others.”

In correlation with his statements to employees, Alphabet also reportedly spearheaded the funding efforts for the legal brief signed by nearly 100 companies that objected to Trump’s temporary immigration ban.

But due to the work of the DIB — which mainly centers around projects like modernizing military bases and ensuring defense systems are sufficiently up to date — it appears that personal politics likely has a minimal impact.

“The Defense Innovation Board is focused on supporting the Department of Defense on issues, such as AI, data analytics, software acquisition, and shaping the culture of the DOD workforce. These issues know no partisan boundaries,” Navy Cmdr. Patrick Evans, who does press operations for the Pentagon, told TheDCNF. “DOD cares about enhancing lethality, strengthening alliances and partnerships, and reforming the Department. DIB is about advancing the Department and serving the American public, not politics.”

Google declined to comment on the record and referred TheDCNF to the DOD for any statements or insight.

A top representative for Google was sure to add, though, that Schmidt serves on the board in a personal respect, separate from his work at Alphabet or its subsidiaries.

Conversely, Schmidt could arguably be more than a good fit for the DIB given its overarching goals.

The program “seeks to advise the department on areas that are deeply familiar to Silicon Valley companies, such as rapid prototyping, iterative product development, complex data analysis in business decision making, and organizational information sharing,” Evans explains. “Then-Secretary Carter selected the board to represent a cross-section of America’s most innovative industries, drawing on technical and management expertise from across the country.”

Furthermore, Alphabet is a tech conglomerate that, along with other functions, serves as a corporate umbrella for several subsidiaries including Google. Most notably, Alphabet includes X lab, which serves as an incubator for startups, meaning the larger holding company also acts as a hub for technological research and development.

Williams says that “the idea of the DIB isn’t a bad one” because updating the government’s services and infrastructure is needed.

“The only concern is that there’s too much of an emphasis on tinkering rather than fundamental reforms, like ending big failing spending programs,” he added, implying that innovation may distract from more necessary changes, like deep cuts to costly expenditures.

Danhof says the DIB is a great idea, even with the prospect of it backfiring for Trump if board members resign out of political protest.

“If you think about how laggard the U.S. government is when it comes to innovation and technology breakthroughs, if you look at the backlog that’s at the VA [Department of Veteran Affairs], if Eric Schmidt could do even one thing to improve something like that, then I think that this should be cheered as a great success,” Danhof asserted. “President Trump should be cheered for thinking outside the box and going with someone who has spoken out against him, who is a political rival in a sense in that he supports the other party full lock, stock, and barrel. Trump is willing to look past all of that to try to find the best people to help this government operate better.”

While also commending Obama for the board’s creation, Danhof said having Schmidt stay on the board is a true sign of Trump’s acute business acumen since any good business operator or owner doesn’t hire people merely because they think the same way and are likable.

“You hire someone who’s the best person for the job,” Danhof continued. “If it’s how we technologically innovate, why wouldn’t you think of one of the founders of Google, even if he is against you in almost everything you say, think, or do in a political standpoint?”

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Honest Sam's picture

No brainer.  The MIC is STILL the real power in this country.  Eisenhower is rolling and tumbling. 

johngaltfla's picture

Uh, because Google has more DIA, CIA, and DHS contracts than anyone else including Boeing.

07564111's picture

((( They ))) keep it all under the one Umbrella.

InsaneBane's picture

If you wan't to know were the missing trillions $ are? Look at DARPA and companies like Lockheed (Space). Rumsfeld was a DARPA agent and so is agent Schmidt..

lakecity55's picture

Yes, the "black" budget, and we're not talking about money for Bath House Barry's coke and nancy boy parties with Miss Lindsey!

 

 

InsaneBane's picture

It's like Ben Rich said they have technology to take ET home. The John G. Trump and Nikola Tesla connection is also very interesting.

 

In 1943, as the technical aide in Division 14 of the NDRC, Trump reviewed and analyzed the papers of Dr. Nikola Tesla when Dr. Tesla died in a New York City hotel. The research was completed on behalf of the Alien property Custodian office in Washington DC. From February 1944 to the end of the war in Europe, Trump was the Director of the BBRL

WTFRLY's picture

Are joo surprised? Joominati officer right there.

DeadFred's picture

So he was CIA and now he's DOD, that doesn't seem like such an unusual career move.

Always remember though, "Once CIA, always CIA"

The Company never ever really lets you go.

It's easier to un-sell your soul to the devil than to leave the Company

Chupacabra-322's picture

He's nothing more than a "Company Man" / front man for the
Pure Evil War Criminal Treasonous Seditious Psychopaths at the CIA.

Pure Evil Amazon's front man is Bezos.
Pure Evil Goolgle's front man is Criminal Schmitt.
FaceFuck's is Zuckerberg.
All "Company Men."

#Vault7
?#UMBRAGE

SWRichmond's picture

As I've been posting here for years, Google is an NSA front company.

Slomotrainwreck's picture

Corporatization. It's been going on for centuries.

lil dirtball's picture

> Look at DARPA and companies like Lockheed (Space).

Yes ... but it's beyond that. Forget the shit you were 'taught' in school - it's all a fabrication. America has always been run by Royalty/Satanists (the 'Republican' form of .gov has always been a joke - the real power is in (((families))):

http://www.thewatcherfiles.com/bloodlines/dupont.htm

quadraspleen's picture

I think Eric is a Company guy rather than DIA or DARPA. Same end game I suppose

WillyGroper's picture

funny you'd mention boeing.

read the chronology of resignation list i posted last week?  EO?

this prolly has a little to do with it.

Eric Schmidt Steps Down as CEO - YouTube

GUS100CORRINA's picture

Below has to be one of the most ASININE things I have ever read!!!! NO WONDER AMERICA is a MESS!!!!

“You hire someone who’s the best person for the job,” Danhof continued. “If it’s how we technologically innovate, why wouldn’t you think of one of the founders of Google, even if he is against you in almost everything you say, think, or do in a political standpoint?”

There are 100's of morally ground patriots who are much smarter than this PERVERT ERIC SCHMIDT!

This guy should be in JAIL for ELECTION FRAUD!

WillyGroper's picture

check out bezos on the same channel.

WillyGroper's picture

No...clintoons did that.  i've posted pic that tell the story.

been posting NK is the clintoon/boosh/spook outpost to the chagrin of linear thinkers.

now if that pic is not the shts!

thanks for the post. ;)

Captain Nemo de Erehwon's picture

Why Is Alphabet CEO Eric Schmidt Technically Serving In The Department Of Defense? Because he's a technical person ...

BetweenThe Coasts's picture

Microsoft Cloud may have more MIC contracts than Google.

runningman18's picture

Trump keeps Schmidt because it's not up to Trump. The banksers control the DoD and the White House; they decide who goes and who stays.  Trump is surrounded by them in his cabinet and his advisers.  This article broaches the investigation into Schmidt's influence with the incorrect assumption that Trump is an enemy to the banksters.  He isn't.  Hence the real reason why Schmidt has retained his position from one administration to the next.   

new game's picture

a like minded cabel of ultra wealthy individuals controlling our future.

democracy of wealth.

your vote only counts when you are one them....

 

lakecity55's picture

Trumpster has to really bob, weave, and have a secret left hook to be able to negotiate his way through stuff.

 

 

any_mouse's picture

Eisenhower was in it up to his neck. Gave a little speech on his way to the golf course.

Similar to Smedley Darlington Butler getting "religion" after his tour of duty for the bankers ended.

A. Boaty's picture

Butler obeyed orders like a good Marine. He had to see it from the inside to write his great book "War is a Racket."

BandGap's picture

Could be this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwJQ0i9yb5A

If the US confiscates the wealth of pedophiles and human traffickers does this help the economy? (Analogous to the Sauds.)

Mazzy's picture

"No brainer.  The MIC is STILL the real power in this country.  Eisenhower is rolling and tumbling."

Yeah, but who controls the MIC?

Dolus's picture

Google was seed funded by the CIA and NSA. What better apparatus for spying than Google. For national security of course. Makes the Stasi look like pikers.

spanish inquisition's picture

Alphabet. Probably a play on FDR's alphabet agencies. Taking it to the next level, "can't spell any US agency without Alphabet, Inc.". Or, "Finally putting corporate interests above the government in the public eye and there is nothing anyone can do".

BorisTheBlade's picture

Alphabet company works in collusion with Alphabet agencies? You don't say!

JRobby's picture

Another sick joke by the elite deep state. The do so adore them.

 

HRH of Aquitaine 2.0's picture

Schmidt is compromised. Divorced after being married for 35+ years and now his whole thing is having mulitple women, wearing hoods, get on his plane. What a freak.

Nothing but a puppet jumping as high as he is told.

Grandad Grumps's picture

Really? Seems like! Satan’s bag man!

HRH of Aquitaine 2.0's picture

Climbing to the top of the ladder and jumping off because you can't keep your dick in your pants seems to be a fatal flaw.

Ethics and morals matter. As some of these losers are finding out. Good.

house biscuit's picture

Nazi puppet, I would add.

The only thing missing for Schmidt to go full SS looking is a pair of Himmler spectacles.

BorraChoom's picture

I think Goebbels the Reich Minister of Propaganda is his hero.

InsaneBane's picture

It's funny how ze Germans played an important role in the deep state after WWII, see operation Paperclip.

BorraChoom's picture

"Here's the deal. Eric Schmidt of Google resigned from Google after Trump signed an executive order giving him full power to seize all assets, property, and money of anyone involved in child molestation and human trafficking. It also allowed him to go after Hillary for Uranium One while it prevents foreigners from helping, because if they do, their American assets will be seized.

This is exactly what we needed, but there is concern that the swamp within the white house will kill him very quickly now. None of the MSM outlets have been honest about this and I ended up hearing about it from a friend I got ahold of to get instructions for making turkey stuffing for Christmas. Anyway, it checks out. The executive order is legit. Here it is." : JimStone@ http://82.221.129.208/

 

This executive order is what Americans asked Trump to do on day one, he's doing it, and because of this, many are predicting he will not survive for even two weeks after issuing this.

Here's the part that busts the American swamp:

(iii) any person determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Attorney General:

(A) to have materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of:

(1) any activity described in subsections (ii)(A), (ii)(B)(1), or (ii)(B)(2) of this section that is conducted by a foreign person;

(2) any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order; or

(3) any entity, including any government entity, that has engaged in, or whose members have engaged in, any of the activities described in subsections (ii)(A), (ii)(B)(1), or (ii)(B)(2) of this section, where the activity is conducted by a foreign person;

(B) to be owned or controlled by, or to have acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order; or

(C) to have attempted to engage in any of the activities described in subsections (iii)(A) or (B) of this section

(b) The prohibitions in subsection (a) of this section apply except to the extent provided by statutes, or in regulations, orders, directives, or licenses that may be issued pursuant to this order, and notwithstanding any contract entered into or any license or permit granted before the effective date of this order.

Sec. 2. The unrestricted immigrant and nonimmigrant entry into the United States of aliens determined to meet one or more of the criteria in section 1 of this order would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, and the entry of such persons into the United States, as immigrants or nonimmigrants, is hereby suspended. Such persons shall be treated as persons covered by section 1 of Proclamation 8693 of July 24, 2011 (Suspension of Entry of Aliens Subject to United Nations Security Council Travel Bans and International Emergency Economic Powers Act Sanctions).

Sec. 3. I hereby determine that the making of donations of the types of articles specified in section 203(b)(2) of IEEPA (50 U.S.C. 1702(b)(2)) by, to, or for the benefit of any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order would seriously impair my ability to deal with the national emergency declared in this order, and I hereby prohibit such donations as provided by section 1 of this order.

Sec. 4. The prohibitions in section 1 include:

(a) the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order; and

(b) the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.

Sec. 5. (a) Any transaction that evades or avoids, has the purpose of evading or avoiding, causes a violation of, or attempts to violate any of the prohibitions set forth in this order is prohibited.

(b) Any conspiracy formed to violate any of the prohibitions set forth in this order is prohibited.

Sec. 6. For the purposes of this order:

(a) the term "person" means an individual or entity;

(b) the term "entity" means a partnership, association, trust, joint venture, corporation, group, subgroup, or other organization; and

(c) the term "United States person" means any United States citizen, permanent resident alien, entity organized under the laws of the United States or any jurisdiction within the United States (including foreign branches), or any person in the United States.

Sec. 7. For those persons whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order who might have a constitutional presence in the United States, I find that because of the ability to transfer funds or other assets instantaneously, prior notice to such persons of measures to be taken pursuant to this order would render those measures ineffectual. I therefore determine that for these measures to be effective in addressing the national emergency declared in this order, there need be no prior notice of a listing or determination made pursuant to this order.

 

This executive order is not for easy reading leftists, it is difficult to put together but when you do put it together, it is THE NUKE.
uncle_disgusting's picture

Swamp: draining? Here's hoping... #QAnon

BorraChoom's picture

I will believe it when I see it.

detached.amusement's picture

me too, and jim usually knows wtf he's talking about

CPL's picture

No need, swamps freeze like everything else does.  Halcyon days are over and the glacial period is starting.  Best get your snow shoes.  Gwaxgwakwalanuksiwe' and his brother Baxwbakwalanuksiwe' will be free from their cage as the Hamat'sa is performed as it has been done many times over the cycles.  Enjoy the last of the summer wine.

...oh yes.  Heard through the grapevine Mr Soro's passed away yesterday of a heart attack.  Remember, nature abhors a vaccuum.  In social circles doubly so, people might want to make contingencies when the cat fight happens.

OverTheHedge's picture

Disappointingly, this might just be wishful thinking re the Soros death.

http://yournewswire.com/george-soros-christmas-heart-failure/

See the comments....

Who knows - it's not as if he is a fit young man-about-town any more. Or he might just be using it as an opportunity to regenerate, a la Dr Who.

WillyGroper's picture

YNW is disinfo...baxter dimitry.

i've said this till i'm blue in the face...this is your wink that it's bullsht.

"“just over 33% chance of survival”

WillyGroper's picture

a link would do, SFB.

posted since 12/21, big revelation 5 days old.

 

Grandad Grumps's picture

If you want to know where the $20 trillion in missing DoD money has gone, it would not be a bad guess to start looking at Google and Facebook. Does it really make any sense that hundreds of billions in advertising spend materialized from where it did not previously exist? Who is spending all that money? DoD?

south40_dreams's picture

Google has been weaponized since day one

InsaneBane's picture

Remember Total Information Awareness after 9/11 and the Patriot Act it went rogue under several umbrellas like PRISM. They are fronts for the deep state like DARPA/NSA..big data is key for control