7 months ago
Elon Musk shares Hoffman's controversial remark on Trump
Elon Musk recently shared a screenshot on X of a remark made by Reid Hoffman, the founder of LinkedIn, during a public discussion in July 2024.
Hoffman was talking to Peter Thiel, a venture capitalist who supports Donald Trump.
Hoffman said, 'I wish I had made him an actual martyr,' in response to Thiel's sarcastic thanks for funding legal actions against Trump.
This remark was seen as inappropriate by many, especially after an assassination attempt on Trump.
Hoffman later clarified that he was using dark humor, not literally wishing harm.
Musk's post has brought back attention to this controversial exchange and sparked debate about political speech by influential figures.
Elon Musk shared a screenshot of Reid Hoffman's 2024 remark about Donald Trump.
Hoffman's comment was made during a public exchange with Peter Thiel at the Sun Valley Conference.
The remark was criticized as inappropriate, especially after an assassination attempt on Trump.
Hoffman clarified that his statement was intended as dark humor, not a literal wish for violence.
Musk's post has renewed scrutiny and debate about political speech by prominent technology leaders.
- Who
- Elon Musk, Reid Hoffman, Peter Thiel
- What
- Elon Musk shared a screenshot of Reid Hoffman's controversial remark about Donald Trump
- Where
- Sun Valley Conference, shared on X
- When
- January 30, 2026 (Musk's post), July 2024 (original remark)
- Why
- To remind the public of Hoffman's remark and renew scrutiny
Key facts
- Event
- Elon Musk shares a screenshot of Reid Hoffman's remark
- Date of Remark
- July 2024
- Location
- Sun Valley Conference
- Participants
- Reid Hoffman and Peter Thiel
- Context
- Public exchange during a discussion
- Clarification
- Hoffman stated it was dark humor, not literal
- Backlash
- Criticism for inappropriate language regarding political violence
- Musk's Action
- Reshared the screenshot on X in January 2026
Quotes
Elon Musk
CEO of X and Tesla
“Just a reminder that Reid Hoffman really did say in a public forum that he wished President Trump had been killed in the assassination attempt.”
financialexpress.com
Peter Thiel
Venture capitalist and Trump supporter
“I am so grateful to you”
financialexpress.com
Reid Hoffman
Venture capitalist and former executive chairman of LinkedIn
“Yeah, I wish I had made him an actual martyr.”
financialexpress.com
