Reid Hoffman, a prominent Democratic donor and co-founder of LinkedIn, is facing severe criticism after expressing a desire to make Donald Trump “an actual martyr.” Hoffman, who serves on the boards of Microsoft and the Pentagon’s Defense Innovation Board, made the comment just days before an assassination attempt on Trump.
Hoffman, previously linked to Jeffrey Epstein, has been a significant funder of anti-Trump initiatives. His comment about Trump, reported by Puck, came under renewed scrutiny after Trump was shot in the ear at a Pennsylvania rally. Although Hoffman condemned the shooting, he quickly shifted to attacking Trump’s rhetoric about the Capitol riots. Hoffman’s adviser, Dmitri Mehlhorn, even suggested the shooting might have been staged for political gain.
Hoffman’s remarks have not only caused issues for the Democratic Party, which has received millions from him, but also raised concerns at Microsoft and the Pentagon. Hoffman sits on Microsoft’s Environmental, Social, and Public Policy Committee, advising on non-financial regulatory risks and overseeing public policy. He also serves on the Defense Innovation Board, chaired by Michael Bloomberg, which advises the Pentagon on innovation and technology.
Political activists are now pushing for Hoffman’s removal from Microsoft’s board. This controversy comes in the wake of Hoffman’s past involvement in ethically dubious political tactics. In 2017, he funded a project that used fake social media accounts to influence a special election in Alabama, a scheme exposed by the New York Times in 2018, prompting Hoffman’s apology.
Hoffman’s recent statements have intensified scrutiny over his influential roles. Both Microsoft and the Pentagon are committed to combating extremist rhetoric, making Hoffman’s comments particularly damaging. The fallout from his remarks has put his positions at these institutions in jeopardy, as public and political pressure continues to build.
