Curt Flewelling, FISM News
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Tech mogul and former Trump financial backer Peter Thiel declared that if Governor Ron DeSantis becomes the GOP nominee for president, he would strongly support him.
Thiel said on the Honestly with Bari Weiss podcast, “I think DeSantis would make a terrific president if he’s the Republican nominee. I will strongly support him in 2024.”
The announcement is getting attention as Reuters reported just last week that Thiel told associates that he is not planning to donate to any political candidate in 2024.
The billionaire could have some wiggle room as his statement may not be an about-face, as “strong support” does not necessarily mean “financial” support.
The statement, although a little unclear, has to be concerning to Trump. Any positive comments about the former president’s biggest competitor aren’t helpful to his campaign. However, assuming that Thiel’s remarks indicate that he would not eventually back Trump if he were the nominee is presumptuous as well.
This would not be the first time that a wealthy donor hedged their bet until party squabbles simmered down. Trump himself is notorious for vague, evasive quasi-endorsements of candidates who were locked in close primary battles.
Thiel’s praise for the Florida governor was tempered by his concern that DeSantis may be beating the “anti-woke” pony a bit too hard. He also told Bari Weiss, “The focus on identity politics, on the woke religion, is probably a distraction from stagnation. It’s a distraction from economics.”
Thiel’s concern is not surprising given that he is a financial maven. However, many would contend that the governor’s “anti-woke” crusade has quite a bit to do with economics. His opposition to Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) shakedowns resonates with a lot of voters.
Companies around the country have had to spend millions on questionable programs designed to prove their (DEI) bona fides in order to fend off criticism by politically correct activists who routinely organize consumer boycotts.
As the Trump/DeSantis saga continues, only time will tell if Theil’s support for the Florida governor will be a key factor in the 2024 presidential race.