Peter Thiel, a prominent billionaire and political influencer, sparked debate during a recent Joe Rogan podcast episode by comparing California’s progressive culture to Saudi Arabia’s Wahhabism. He argued that both states are heavily influenced by powerful ideologies and rely heavily on lucrative industries, with California’s tech giants mirroring Saudi Arabia’s oil wealth. Thiel’s comments highlight his long-standing criticisms of California’s governance and his influence in U.S. politics through his company Palantir and support for J.D. Vance.
