Peter Thiel, a gay conservative billionaire known for his previous support of Donald Trump, has stated that he will not be donating to Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign. Thiel, who donated $1.25 million to Trump’s 2016 campaign, expressed his disillusionment with Trump’s former presidency, describing it as “crazier” and “more dangerous” than he had anticipated.
Reassessing Political Support
In a recent interview with The Atlantic, Thiel candidly discussed his past support for Trump, acknowledging that he had misjudged the situation. His disappointment stems from the administration’s inability to effectively manage fundamental aspects of the government, leading him to reassess his political contributions.
Thiel’s Refusal to Contribute in 2020 and 2024
Notably, Thiel did not contribute to Trump’s 2020 re-election campaign. He revealed that he has been heavily solicited for donations by various political candidates, including Trump, who reportedly sought a $10 million contribution in April. Thiel’s refusal reportedly led to a tense exchange, with Trump expressing sadness and later referring to Thiel negatively in private conversations.
Focus on Tech Innovation Over Culture Wars
Thiel, an early investor in PayPal and Facebook, has been vocal about his belief that the Republican focus should shift from culture wars to technological innovation and competitiveness with China. His support in the tech industry has historically been for candidates who advocate for tech deregulation and limited government oversight on data privacy and business practices.
Thiel’s Complicated Relationship with the GOP
Despite his endorsement of Trump in 2016 and his role in the transition team post-election, Thiel has faced criticism due to the Republican Party’s stance on same-sex marriage, which conflicts with his personal life as a married gay man with children. His recent distancing from Trump highlights the complex dynamics within the Republican Party and the tech entrepreneur’s evolving political stance.
Peter Thiel’s decision not to support Trump’s 2024 campaign underscores a significant shift in the political landscape and reflects broader conversations within the Republican Party about its direction and priorities. His stance also illustrates the growing importance of technology and economic issues over cultural and social debates in modern political discourse.