The renowned venture capitalist and right-wing icon of the Big Tech world gave an in-depth lecture to a small audience in a wooden, paneled room on Monday. one of the most prestigious French institutions — Academy of Moral and Political Sciences. In an interview with POLITICO, two participants talked about the event.
An outline of Thiel's presentation, including 23 slides, was distributed to the audience by the organizer and made available to POLITICO journalists. He explores the theory of the biblical Antichrist — a deceptive figure in Christian theology who opposes Christ and embodies absolute evil.
The presentation sheds light on the ideology of Thiel, who is one of the most influential people in the United Statesgiven its role in setting the direction of ideological change in Silicon Valley. Thiel, who combines Christian conservatism with radical libertarianism, was invited to Paris by philosopher and Academy member Chantal Delsol.
According to presentation notes obtained by POLITICO and translated into French, Thiel said the Antichrist is “not just a medieval fantasy.” Both he and the apocalypse have a connection with the “end of modernity”, which – as he argues – is now taking place.
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Thiel said that The Antichrist will exploit the fear of the apocalypse — for example, in relation to nuclear holocaust, climate change, or the threat of artificial intelligence — to control a “scared population.” As a possible example, as in previous speeches, he pointed to Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.
Thiel, 58, who describes himself as a “classical liberal” and “moderately orthodox Christian,” previously discussed the Antichrist at an event in San Francisco last year and also discussed his views with The New York Times. However, he named it the Academy of Moral and Political Sciences “one of the few places in the world where such a conference can be held”.
Both participants cited earlier told POLITICO that they weren't particularly thrilled with the lecture. One of them described it as “chaotic”. — I heard more about the Antichrist in these 45 minutes than in my entire life, said another person.
“I didn't understand much,” admitted another participant who did not specify what the lecture was about.
Musk's partner, Trump supporter, Vance's mentor
Despite dozens of protesters outside, the event attracted a lot of attention due to Thiel's status as one of the first important representatives of the technology industry who supported US President Donald Trump. Thiel, co-founder of PayPal with Elon Musk and an early investor in Facebook, also mentors Vice President J.D. Vance. Three years ago, he donated a record amount to his U.S. Senate campaign.
Protest against Peter Thiel's lecture in Paris, January 26, 2026.Jerome Gilles/NurPhoto / AFP
Thiel is also the co-founder of Palantir, a software and data analytics company that provides services including: for the French General Directorate for Internal Security and for the European aerospace manufacturer Airbus.
During his visit to Paris Thiel also met Jean-Noel Barrot, French Minister of European and Foreign Affairs.
– Taking into account the role he played in shaping the doctrine guiding part of the American administrationJean-Noel Barrot invited him to talk about our differences on several key issues: digital regulation, liberal democracy, European civilization and transatlantic relations – one of Barrot's colleagues said anonymously in an interview with POLITICO.
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