Peter Thiel evolves from libertarian outsider to GOP kingmaker

Peter Thiel contributed $50 million to Republican candidates and campaigns since 2000, making him the 10th largest individual donor in 2022 midterms

Thiel donated $35 million to 16 federal-level Republican candidates in 2022, with 12 of them winning their races

Thiel spent $15 million on J.D. Vance's 2022 Ohio Senate campaign through the Protect Ohio Values super PAC

Thiel contributed $20 million to Blake Masters' Arizona Senate campaign through Saving Arizona PAC in 2022

Thiel served on Trump's presidential transition team in 2016 and spoke at the Republican National Convention

Thiel's Palantir Technologies has worked with U.S. intelligence agencies for 14 years and is building ICE surveillance systems

Thiel told associates in 2023 he would not donate to political candidates in 2024, citing dissatisfaction with GOP focus on cultural issues

Trump called Thiel in Apr. 2024 asking for $10 million but Thiel declined, according to The Atlantic interview