An exchange between Katie Miller and venture capitalist Chamath Palihapitiya focused on his political shift and his criticism of mainstream media, with Palihapitiya describing what he said was a gradual realization that shaped his views.

Miller framed the discussion by noting Palihapitiya’s influence and prior role as a major Democratic donor, asking how he moved to a different position politically.

“You went from being a large Democrat donor to now a very outspoken proponent on the other side of the aisle, when you are so influential to other VCs and other people with high net worth here in California, and you really shaped their public opinion and public perception. How did you get there yourself? Was there a moment you woke up and you’re like, Okay, it’s all different,” Miller said.

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Palihapitiya responded that the shift was not tied to a single turning point, but rather a gradual change driven by his view of media coverage and accuracy.

“There wasn’t. This is not about politics, for me, it’s about the truth,” Palihapitiya said.

He described his earlier media consumption habits, stating they aligned with widely consumed outlets and platforms.

“There was a moment where I was basically like everybody else and pretty brainwashed. My Media diet was very much the same as everybody else’s. I read The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. I watched a little bit of CNN, a little bit of CNBC, a little bit of MSNBC, a little bit of CBS economist. Every now and then you encounter it on a plane, and you think, you know what’s going on,” he said.

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Palihapitiya said his initial perception of President Donald Trump was shaped during the early stages of Trump’s presidential campaign and evolved over time.

“And I had a perception of Donald Trump, initially, from the moment he walked down the staircase in Trump Tower to announce and then over the course of seven, six or seven years, I realized that some of those fundamental things that I was told about him were just totally false,” he said.

He pointed to the 2017 Charlottesville incident as a moment that prompted him to examine media narratives more closely, describing hesitation before reviewing primary source material.

“And there was enough content online Where I was almost afraid. But it started with Charlottesville. I was almost afraid to look at it, because I’m like, I think I was lied to,” Palihapitiya said.

He said reviewing footage and statements firsthand led him to reassess what he had previously believed.

“And then I saw it. I saw what he said, but then I saw the portrayal. I had originally believed that portrayal, until I saw the truth, and then I just started to go down that rabbit hole,” he said.

Palihapitiya said that experience led him to question the role of media organizations, particularly their responsibility in presenting accurate information.

“So for me, it was an evolution where I was like, I can’t believe I’m being lied to by this group of people whose sole responsibility is to hold truth to power. The key word there is truth to power, not your perception or your desires,” he said.

He concluded by describing how that process ultimately influenced his political outlook.

“And I just think that that that I mean, red pilled me, I guess in a way,” Palihapitiya said.

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