Former President Donald Trump is experiencing a surge in popularity in regions of the country where it would have once seemed unimaginable. This was evident last week when he raised nearly $12 million at a fundraiser in former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s backyard, according to the Daily Wire.

The fundraiser, hosted by venture investors David Sacks and Chamath Palihapitiya at their Pacific Heights residence, attracted affluent figures from the tech industry. Sacks and Palihapitiya are known for their popular podcast “All-In.” Attendees had the option to pay between $50,000 and $500,000, depending on the benefits. The event was attended by numerous cryptocurrency investors and venture capitalists.

During the fundraiser, Harmeet Dhillon, a member of the Republican National Committee, described the former president as “relaxed, happy, and cracking jokes about AI.”

Sacks, who played a significant role in organizing the event, credited JD Vance for the idea. He stated, “this all started with JD Vance calling and asking if we could host an event for President Trump. Without JD’s advice and encouragement, this would never have happened.”

In a post on X, Sacks provided a detailed explanation of why he endorses the former president. Here’s an excerpt:

“Why I’m Backing President Trump As many press accounts have reported, I’m hosting a fundraising event for President Donald J. Trump at my home in San Francisco this evening. Over the last couple of years, I have hosted events for presidential candidates Ron DeSantis, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as well as several Congressional figures in both major parties. I give to many, but endorse few.

But today I am giving my endorsement to our 45th President, Donald J. Trump, to be our 47th President. My reasons rest on four main issues that I think are vital to American prosperity, security, and stability – issues where the Biden administration has veered badly off course and where I believe President Trump can lead us back.”