Peter Thiel Says Trump is Surrounded by 'Not Very Smart' People

Peter Thiel has criticized the staffing of Donald Trump’s second administration, saying it placed too much weight on loyalty.

Trump’s first administration brought together people who could not agree, Thiel said, producing persistent internal conflict. In his account, the second term swung too far in the other direction.

“You got sort of an administration staffed by not very smart but very loyal people,” he said.

Germany’s Political Failures

Commenting on German politics, Thiel connected the AfD’s growth to what he sees as the failure of Germany’s centrist parties to offer an economic future that works across society.

“The rise of the AfD reflects these failures of the centrist parties,” he said.

That did not amount to an endorsement of the AfD.

Thiel said neither the far right nor the far left had convincing answers on balancing the budget.

He also argued that, although Ukraine, China and Israel were all subjects for legitimate debate, the AfD had taken the wrong position on each.

Thiel placed Germany’s prospects in a wider European context. “It’s very important for us to find a way to turn Germany around,” he said, pointing to the country’s place at the heart of Europe.

He also drew a contrast between wealth creation in the U.S. and Germany.

According to Thiel, nine of the 12 youngest wealthy people in the U.S. made their fortunes, while all 20 in Germany inherited theirs.

He said Germany had produced no large new company capable of scaling.

Looking to 2028

Despite his criticism of Trump’s administration, Thiel said he remained a supporter of Vance.

However, he expressed concern that either Vance or Rubio could struggle to win the 2028 election, adding that the result might not be close.