Thiel's involvement in the Hogan lawsuit demonstrated his willingness to use his wealth to influence media and legal outcomes. However, there is no direct evidence to suggest that this specific action was a strategic move to gain control over the Republican Party (GOP) or to steer populist politics. Thiel's influence within the GOP and populist movements is more directly linked to his substantial financial support of certain political candidates and causes.
For instance, Thiel has been a significant backer of candidates like J.D. Vance and Blake Masters, both of whom have embraced populist themes. In 2022, Thiel donated $10 million to support Vance's Senate campaign in Ohio.
Similarly, he contributed $10 million to Masters' Senate campaign in Arizona. These substantial contributions have bolstered candidates who align with Thiel's vision of a more populist and nationalist GOP.
Additionally, Thiel's ideological influence is evident through his support of the "New Right," a movement that seeks to redefine conservative politics by challenging traditional elites and embracing a more populist approach. His financial backing and mentorship of figures like Vance and Masters have facilitated the rise of this movement within the GOP.
In summary, while Peter Thiel's funding of Hulk Hogan's lawsuit against Gawker showcased his willingness to leverage his resources against media entities he opposed, it was his targeted financial support of populist-aligned political candidates and causes that has significantly influenced the direction of the GOP and the rise of populist politics within the party.