Peter Thiel, a prominent tech billionaire and influential figure in both the tech and political spheres, recently hinted at the possibility of leaving the United States. In a recent appearance on “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast, Thiel discussed his discontent with California and the challenges of finding a new place to settle. His remarks have fueled speculation about his next move and what it could mean for the political and business world.
Contemplating a Move
Having already moved from San Francisco to Los Angeles, Thiel is now considering relocating further, potentially out of California or even the U.S. entirely. When Rogan asked where he might go, Thiel admitted that finding a suitable alternative is difficult. Although he recognizes issues in the U.S., he noted that many other parts of the world are facing even greater challenges.
Thiel mentioned Florida, New Zealand, and Costa Rica as possible new homes but remained uncertain about his final choice. He emphasized that he wants to make just one significant move, reflecting the seriousness of his decision-making process.
Political Influence and Ambitions
Thiel’s influence extends beyond technology into U.S. politics. He was a major backer of J.D. Vance’s successful Senate campaign, providing crucial financial support and introducing Vance to former President Donald Trump. Despite Vance’s previous criticisms of Trump, Thiel’s backing was pivotal in Vance’s political ascent.
Thiel’s ability to move freely highlights his privileged status, contrasting sharply with most Americans who face hurdles in relocating. His past ambition to create a floating libertarian city—a project that ultimately proved too costly—further underscores his desire to shape society according to his vision.
Selecting the Ideal U.S. City
As an experienced businessman, Thiel has carefully considered his options for a new home in the U.S. In his conversation with Rogan, he outlined his preferences for zero-tax states with moderate-sized cities that drive economic growth.
Thiel dismissed several locations for various reasons. He found Seattle’s weather unappealing and expressed a lack of interest in Las Vegas. Although he likes Texas as a state, he was unimpressed with its major cities, including Austin, Dallas, and Houston.
In the end, Thiel identified Nashville, Tennessee, and Miami, Florida, as his top choices. Both cities, he believes, offer a favorable mix of economic opportunities and tax advantages. This preference aligns with a broader trend among conservatives and libertarians who are moving to states like Texas and Florida for their lower taxes and more conservative environments.
California Critique: Governance and “Wokeism”
Despite his plans to leave California, Thiel offered a complex critique of the state. He acknowledged that California’s economy is strong, with a GDP comparable to countries like Germany and Japan, despite its smaller population.
Thiel argued that California’s success cannot be attributed solely to its political governance, which he views as flawed. Instead, he suggested that the state’s economic strength is driven by what he described as a “religion” of “wokeism,” drawing a provocative comparison to Wahhabism in Saudi Arabia. Thiel likened California’s ideological fervor to this ultra-conservative form of Islam, highlighting his frustration with what he perceives as excessive political correctness and social justice activism.
Financial Comparisons: California and Saudi Arabia
Expanding on his analogy, Thiel pointed out similarities between California and Saudi Arabia in terms of their economic structures. Both regions rely heavily on a single industry—big tech in California and oil in Saudi Arabia—while maintaining inefficient and bloated government sectors. Thiel described the redistribution of wealth through government and real estate as a common feature in both systems.
While acknowledging that this model might appear unsustainable, Thiel argued that it has proven stable over time. He compared it to Saudi Arabia’s oil wealth, which has sustained the country despite long-standing predictions of collapse. Similarly, he suggested that California’s tech-driven economy might continue to thrive despite its governance challenges.
