The Contrarian Libertarian: Peter Thiel

Peter Thiel, Co-founder, Paypal

Even as Silicon Valley’s big names were backing the wrong horse, Thiel became an early Trump supporter, donating $1.5 million to The Donald’s election campaign. A long-time articulate critic of political correctness, the German-born executive remains a close Trump advisor. It was once rumored that Trump would appoint Thiel to a top position in intelligence. That never happened – at least, not so far. But Thiel had a hand in shaping Team Trump, suggesting names for key staff posts in technology, science and security.

Recently, Thiel quit Silicon Valley and shifted his operations to Los Angeles.

“Silicon Valley is a one-party state,” he declared. And it certainly wasn’t Thiel’s party.