Trump’s Transition Team Adds VC From Thiel’s Founders Fund

  • Trae Stephens will focus on defense plans for president elect
  • Peter Thiel worked with Stephens at his VC firm and Palantir

Peter Thiel

Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg
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Peter Thiel is wielding his influence over U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s administration planning.

Trae Stephens, a principal at Thiel’s Founders Fund, is being appointed to Trump’s defense transition team, said people familiar with the matter. He will help shape policy and vet Defense Department staff but isn’t expected to take a role in the administration, said the people, who asked not to be identified because they weren’t authorized to speak publicly.