Summary of How PayPal founder Peter Thiel made JD Vance’s political career

TLDR:

• Peter Thiel played a significant role in boosting JD Vance’s political career by providing financial support.
• Thiel’s investments in Rumble and support for Vance’s Senate campaign were key elements.

JD Vance first encountered Peter Thiel in 2011 while studying at Yale Law School. Thiel’s speech criticizing modern society prompted Vance to reassess his career path, leading him to work for Thiel at his venture capital firm. In 2022, Thiel contributed $15 million to Vance’s Senate campaign, ultimately helping him secure a seat as former President Donald Trump’s running mate.

Peter Thiel, known for his early investments in PayPal and Facebook, has expressed controversial views and associated with far-right figures. Thiel’s financial support extended to various right-wing Republicans, including Vance, Ron Paul, and Kris Kobach.

Vance and Thiel collaborated on investments, including backing Rumble as a conservative alternative to YouTube in 2021. The duo’s partnership extended to the Senate campaign, with Thiel’s significant financial backing and support through a super PAC.

Thiel’s support for Vance’s campaign included running ads highlighting Vance’s endorsement from Trump and his stance on border security. Despite initially backing Trump, Thiel expressed disappointment with his tenure and remained neutral in the 2020 election.