Staff Reports
Peter Thiel, the billionaire venture capitalist whose relationship with Donald Trump seemed to be headed for the dumpster fire in 2023, may just be pulling out a fire extinguisher. It turns out Trump’s selection of Thiel’s preferred choice for vice president, Senator J.D. Vance, could be the olive branch the two needed. After Thiel opted not to support Trump’s 2024 campaign, eyebrows raised, and speculation soared. But now, with Vance in the VP slot, Thiel is feeling a tad more optimistic about a second Trump term, which may be saying something in the hyperbolic world of politics.
Before this glimmer of hope, Thiel had taken a more subdued position on the Trump administration. Despite having once been a big-time donor, he chose not to throw any cash Trump’s way during the 2020 campaign and has remained mum for 2024. Perhaps he thought it best to sit back and watch the political circus from a distance, not wanting to get tangled in another round of what he perceived as broken promises. After all, Thiel had shelled out $1 million back in 2016 but apparently believed no return on investment was worth it in 2020.
His connection to Vance sparked rumors that the Trump campaign was keeping a close watch on heavy-hitters like Thiel in the fundraising arena. Between Vance and fellow political ally Blake Masters, Thiel pumped a whopping $35 million into supporting their campaigns back in the last midterm cycle. But as the political landscape shifts, Thiel seems to be reconsidering his role in the partisan shark tank. While he recognized Vance at the outset of 2021, it’s worth noting that the relationship may not be robust enough to pry the purse strings wide open for donation this time around.
Washington Examiner: Peter Thiel more ‘hopeful’ about possible second Trump term after JD Vance pick https://t.co/ppsykb8drw
— Ian Hansen 🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@IanHansenFeed) July 28, 2024
In a twist that could make for some entertaining late-night TV, Thiel has expressed a hope for an election that isn’t close. He’s banking on a decisive win of four or five percentage points in the popular vote. That’s confidence that could only come from someone eyeing political developments from their wide-screen yacht, far away from the chaotic swells of heated debates. After all, if you believe your guy is destined to crush the odds, why bother opening your wallet?
As of now, the stage might be set for a wild ride in the political arena, with mega-donors like Thiel potentially reconsidering their involvement based on the swings and roundabouts of Trump’s campaign. The lingering question remains: Will Thiel’s newfound “hope” for Trump translate into cold, hard cash? For conservative folks watching from the sidelines, one thing is clear—these relationships in the world of elite donors are more fickle than a cat on a hot tin roof.
