As reported by the Independent, Peter Thiel, a tech billionaire known for his significant political influence, might relocate from the United States.
Thiel shared on the Joe Rogan Experience that his disenchantment with various U.S. issues drives his consideration of finding another country more aligned with his ideals.
After moving from San Francisco to Los Angeles, Peter Thiel has openly weighed the advantages and shortcomings of residing elsewhere. He suspects that despite its flaws, the United States might still be better than the alternatives.
Expressing dissatisfaction with California's governance, Thiel acknowledged the state's robust economic metrics but lamented its management styles and ideologies. He drew a harsh analogy between California's prevalent progressive mindset and the conservative Wahhabism observed in Saudi Arabia.
The tech mogul posited that while California thrives economically, its governance structure is inadequate for many of its residents. Peter Thiel described his confusion over the state's ability to sustain wealth while embracing ideologies he considers extreme.
Thiel's criticism isn't just focused on California; it influences his view on a global scale. He explained in a podcast that finding alternatives is challenging because, despite the numerous issues in the US, he believes other parts of the world are in even worse condition. This underscores the complexity of any decision he might consider.
Before stating his refrain about only planning one more move in his lifetime, Peter Thiel elaborated, "Whatever move he makes, he's only going to move once." This indicates a definitive decision yet to be made but considered with the seriousness it entails.
One of Thiel’s grander ideological experiments was his aborted effort to establish a floating libertarian city, which faltered due to financial impracticalities and lack of sustained interest from New Zealand in 2018.
His political engagement also surfaced in his support for JD Vance, whose political ascension Thiel significantly fostered by introducing him to Donald Trump during Vance's campaign.
Thiel’s financial and strategic support for political figures like JD Vance underscores his broader ambition to influence American politics and societal structures. This involvement speaks to an intent to shape public policy and discourse, even as he considers withdrawing from direct participation within the U.S.
To categorize Thiel's assessment, he views California as a wealthy state submerged in what he considers a "crazy religion" of progressivism, analogous to financial extravagances elsewhere sustained by sheer economic power.
In terms of sheer economic scale, Thiel expressed mixed feelings: "The macroeconomics of it are pretty good. You know, 40 million people. The GDP is around 4 trillion." This acknowledgment of California's financial health juxtaposes his criticism of its political and cultural climate.
As Thiel continues to weigh his options, his global critique remains entrenched in a comparative analysis of potential host countries, hinting at a broader disillusionment not just with California but with moderating cherished ideals against worldly realities. His final decision, yet to be announced, will culminate from a blend of ideological fidelity and pragmatic concerns, illustrating the complex nexus of wealth, politics, and personal philosophy in global migrations.