What happened
Politico reported on audio of private talks Peter Thiel gave in Tennessee on Sept 28 and Oct 5, where he said many people use AI's unpopularity to raise their own, and named Pope Leo XIV and Barack Obama.
Why it matters
Thiel's remarks place the tech-right's dislike of state regulation and emphasis on innovation in direct conflict with warnings from Pope Leo XIV, who has cautioned against unchecked development of AI that could escape control and destroy humanity.
WHO IT HITSThe remarks land on technology policy advocates and AI ethics leaders, who must navigate a widening split between industry figures who reject regulation and religious and political voices urging restraint.
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The clash reflects a long-running tension inside the US tech scene. The tech-right rejects state regulation and prioritizes innovation, a stance Thiel has embodied through his early support for President Trump and his influence over the administration. Thiel, who once supervised Vice President JD Vance and helped launch his political career, carries unusual weight in those circles.
His choice of target is notable. Pope Leo XIV has repeatedly warned about uncontrolled AI development that could threaten humanity, putting him at odds with the deregulatory camp Thiel represents. Politico's use of leaked audio also raises questions about how private tech-world discussions become public political material.
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