The influence of Peter Thiel on American politics and his break with Trump.

American politics finds itself at a decisive moment, marked by a changing electoral landscape and the influence of Silicon Valley magnates who have played key roles in recent campaigns. One of the most interesting players is Peter Thiel, the renowned investor and co-founder of PayPal, who has taken an unusual stance in the current electoral contest. Having been a fervent supporter of Donald Trump in the past, Thiel is now reluctant to fund the former president’s campaign, raising questions about the future of financial support within the Republican Party. Thiel, with an estimated net worth of $9.2 billion, has been in the spotlight not only for his business achievements, such as his involvement with Facebook and Palantir, but also for his influence in politics. In 2016, his support for Trump was notable, contributing $1.2 million to the then-candidate’s campaign. However, his perspective has radically changed, and the figure of the former president no longer seems to align with Thiel’s expectations. In 2020, the billionaire stopped funding Trump, a decision that surprised many within the Republican circle. His discontent intensified, and in recent statements, Thiel expressed that supporting Trump was "crazier" and "more dangerous" than he had anticipated. These words indicate not only a break with Trump but also a reevaluation of his role within a party that continues to face internal divisions. As Thiel distances himself from Trump, he has begun to channel his support towards J.D. Vance, a rising politician in the Republican Party. Vance, who benefited from Thiel’s influence in his successful campaign for the U.S. Senate in 2022, is now seeking the vice presidency and has urged Thiel to reconsider his decision not to fund the former president’s campaign. This highlights Vance’s need to secure backing from key investors at a critical moment. The situation is further complicated for the Republican Party as Vice President Kamala Harris has begun to close the gap in the polls. With Biden out of the race, Harris has seized the moment, receiving unprecedented financial support. Her campaign announced an impressive fundraising total of $540 million in the last month, setting a historic record. This dynamic has placed Trump’s campaign in a vulnerable position, and the lack of financial support from influential figures like Thiel could have significant repercussions. Vance has called on Thiel to return to the Republican fold, arguing that it is essential for the party's future. "He is fundamentally a conservative guy and I think he needs to come out of the margins and support the candidacy," he stated. However, persuading such an influential investor as Thiel will not be an easy task, especially given that he has expressed fatigue with the current political climate. Thiel's dilemma reflects a shift in the political landscape, where loyalty to a candidate is no longer as automatic as it once was. Tensions within the Republican Party are becoming evident, and the divide between those who support Trump and those seeking new alternatives is deepening. This could indicate a broader change in American politics, where major donors are beginning to question their ties and reevaluate their support. Meanwhile, the elections are approaching, and pressure is mounting on the Republican Party to unite around a strong candidate. Thiel's absence as a financier could leave a void in Trump’s campaign and further complicate his path to reelection. At the same time, Harris’s growing popularity and the financial backing she receives pose a significant challenge that the party will need to confront. The current situation underscores the intersection between politics and money, where major donors can make the difference between success and failure. Thiel's ability to influence the course of the elections is undeniable, and his decision to distance himself from Trump could be a harbinger of deeper changes within the Republican Party. With the days counting down to the election, the future of Trump’s campaign may largely depend on whether he can regain the support of figures like Thiel or if he will need to seek new sources of funding in an increasingly competitive environment.