How Peter Thiel Found His Libertarian Paradise in Argentina
Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Tech billionaire Peter Thiel has relocated to Buenos Aires, Argentina, seeking refuge from potential nuclear war and embracing the libertarian vision of President Javier Milei.
- Thiel, estimated to be worth $30 billion, purchased a $12 million villa and enrolled his children in a local school, signaling a long-term commitment to Argentina.
- His move is reportedly driven by a desire to escape high taxes in California, particularly a proposed wealth tax, and a broader disillusionment with the political climate in the United States.
Billionaire tech entrepreneur Peter Thiel has found a new home in Buenos Aires, Argentina, drawn by a sense of security from potential global conflicts and an affinity for the libertarian ideals championed by President Javier Milei. Thiel, known for co-founding PayPal and Palantir, has been seen mingling with locals, even playing chess at a club in the upscale Belgrano neighborhood, demonstrating a desire to integrate into Argentinian society.
Thiel, along with his partner Matt Danzeisen and their children, has reportedly purchased a six-bedroom villa in the exclusive Palermo Chico area for $12 million. His daughters are said to be attending a local school, further indicating a significant commitment to living in Argentina. The move appears to be a deliberate choice to leave behind the United States, where Thiel, despite his past support for Donald Trump, reportedly felt increasingly uncomfortable.
Sources suggest that Thiel's decision is partly motivated by a desire to avoid California's potential wealth tax. A proposed initiative, expected to be voted on in November, could impose a 5% tax on billionaires' assets, a measure that would cost Thiel an estimated $1.5 billion. This financial consideration, coupled with a broader dissatisfaction with the political landscape in the U.S., seems to have propelled his relocation to the southern hemisphere.
Thiel's embrace of Argentina under Milei's leadership aligns with his long-held libertarian and anarcho-capitalist views. Milei's administration, which has prioritized economic liberalization and reduced state intervention, resonates with Thiel's vision for a society with minimal government control. His presence in Buenos Aires signifies a notable endorsement of Milei's policies and Argentina's evolving political direction.
Originally published by Neue Zรผrcher Zeitung in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.