September 15, 2024
Peter Thiel evolves from libertarian outsider to GOP kingmaker
Tech monopolist becomes Republican power broker
🔐Ethics💰Economy💡Technology
Peter Thiel contributed $50 million to Republican candidates and campaigns since 2000, making him the 10th largest individual donor in 2022 midterms
Thiel donated $35 million to 16 federal-level Republican candidates in 2022, with 12 of them winning their races
Thiel spent $15 million on 
J.D. Vance's 2022 Ohio Senate campaign through the Protect Ohio Values super PAC
Thiel contributed $20 million to 
Blake Masters' Arizona Senate campaign through Saving Arizona PAC in 2022
Thiel served on Trump's presidential transition team in 2016 and spoke at the Republican National Convention
Thiel's Palantir Technologies has worked with U.S. intelligence agencies for 14 years and is building ICE surveillance systems
Thiel told associates in 2023 he would not donate to political candidates in 2024, citing dissatisfaction with GOP focus on cultural issues
Trump called Thiel in Apr. 2024 asking for $10 million but Thiel declined, according to The Atlantic interview
🔐Ethics💰Economy💡Technology
Test Your Knowledge
10
Q1
Blake Masters, Peter Thiel's former employee who received $20 million from Thiel for his 2022 Arizona Senate race, lost despite this massive funding. How does this outcome affect the limits of billionaire political influence?
Q2
Two days before Trump's 2025 inauguration, JD Vance visited Peter Thiel's Washington home for a party. How does this timing affect their ongoing relationship?
Q3
After JD Vance became Trump's running mate, tech billionaires Marc Andreessen, David Sacks, and Elon Musk all quickly endorsed Trump and pledged support. How does this coordination affect Silicon Valley's political strategy?
Q4
In April 2023, Peter Thiel told associates he wouldn''t fund any Republican candidates in 2024, frustrated the party was focused on abortion and transgender bathroom bans instead of deregulation and competing with China. Why do tech billionaires bankroll culture warriors, then bail when the culture wars work?
Q5
Peter Thiel spent $35 million on 16 Republican candidates in 2022, with 12 winning their races. What did this investment strategy accomplish beyond individual victories?
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