The National Legal and Policy Center (NLPC) has issued a strong demand for tech entrepreneur Reid Hoffman to resign from his position on Microsoft's board of directors and the Defense Innovation Board (DIB). This call follows an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, and is rooted in Hoffman's controversial actions and statements, which the NLPC claims undermine democratic norms and values.
The NLPC's demand is based on Hoffman's recent remarks at a billionaires' retreat in Sun Valley, Idaho. During a heated debate with fellow tech executive Peter Thiel, Hoffman reportedly expressed regret that his funding of legal actions against Trump had not made the former president an "actual martyr." This statement was reported by Puck News and has since sparked significant backlash.
In addition to his controversial remarks, Hoffman's past associations have also come under scrutiny. He is widely known for introducing Jeffrey Epstein to other prominent Silicon Valley figures, further complicating his public image.
The NLPC has been vocal about Hoffman's actions, with Luke Perlot, associate director of the NLPC's Corporate Integrity Project, stating, "As shareholders of Microsoft, we call on Mr. Hoffman to resign, or be removed, from the board of directors. His ongoing presence on the board is a stain on Microsoft’s reputation and would implicitly condone his statements and actions."
Paul Chesser, director of the NLPC's Corporate Integrity Project, added, "Sarcasm or not, Hoffman has made clear that he doesn't think Donald Trump has any civil rights, and that he and other billionaires should pick the president, not the American people. Some holders of great wealth seek to help the less fortunate or promote freedom and decency. Hoffman has instead sought to undermine democratic norms and values."
The NLPC has reiterated its call for Hoffman's removal, referencing a previous call made last year for his ouster from Microsoft's board as well as the DIB. According to Chesser, Hoffman's actions and statements are antithetical to democratic principles and should disqualify him from any influential position.
Peter Flaherty, NLPC Chairman, also weighed in, stating, "The Defense Innovation Board is engaged in the task of using technology to strengthen our defense in a dangerous world. It conducts serious business. It is no place for an unserious character like Reid Hoffman. For one thing, his associations with Jeffrey Epstein make him a security threat. For another, funding lawsuits by the likes of E. Jean Carroll and wishing martyrdom on Donald Trump should disqualify him from any government board or position."
The NLPC, founded in 1991, aims to promote ethics in public life through research, investigation, education, and legal action. The organization’s latest call to action underscores its commitment to holding influential figures accountable for actions and statements that could undermine public trust and democratic values.
