In a surprising revelation, billionaire Pierre Omidyar, the founder of eBay and a known Never-Trumper, has been found to have donated almost $2 million to groups advocating for defunding the police. This includes funding the website DefundPolice.org, which provides tools and resources for activists pushing for reduced police funding.
Despite his support for defunding the police, Omidyar has not shied away from investing in private security start-ups and profiting from individuals and businesses seeking protection. Independent journalist Lee Fang uncovered this hypocritical behavior in his report, highlighting Omidyar’s investments in companies like Bond, which bills itself as the Uber for bodyguards and referenced “civil unrest” and rising crime in its marketing materials.
Omidyar’s donations in support of the protest movement following the death of George Floyd were channeled through his philanthropic network. The Movement for Black Lives, an “abolitionist” coalition aiming to completely eradicate public policing, was among the recipients of Omidyar’s money. His network provided $300,000 to this group, according to disclosed documents.
DefundPolice.org, the platform facilitating activist efforts to cut police funding, is a collaboration between Omidyar-funded organizations. PolicyLink, which received $700,000 from Omidyar Network, and Law for Black Lives, which received $600,000 from the Democracy Fund (another Omidyar foundation), are among the sponsors of this website.
Fox News also reported on Omidyar’s private investments in companies capitalizing on the surging demand for security services. Bond, a New York-based company often referred to as the “Uber for bodyguards,” listed Omidyar as one of its main investors. Bond specifically mentioned “civil unrest” and rising crime in its marketing materials during 2020.
These revelations raise questions about Omidyar’s apparent contradiction in supporting efforts to dismantle the police while simultaneously profiting from the need for heightened security. Critics argue that his actions undermine the credibility of his support for defunding the police, suggesting a potential for ulterior motives behind his philanthropic endeavors.
This is not the first time Omidyar’s financial activities have sparked controversy. The Gateway Pundit previously reported on a study that highlighted the involvement of Omidyar and two other billionaires with foreign roots in financing the 2020 Democrats Dark Money Machine. These revelations fuel concerns about the influence of wealthy individuals in shaping political agendas and influencing public discourse.
As debates around policing and public safety continue, it is crucial for transparency to prevail. Donors and supporters of causes should be held accountable for any inconsistencies between their stated positions and their financial activities. This includes scrutiny of influential figures like Pierre Omidyar, whose actions may have a significant impact on societal perceptions and policy decisions.
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