Airbnb co-founder and former Trump official donates million to support Cuomo.

Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia has made significant financial contributions to political action committees (PACs) supporting independent candidate Andrew Cuomo, amounting to a total of million. The donations, disclosed in recent filings, were directed equally towards the PACs Fix the City and Defend NYC, each receiving million. These contributions come at a pivotal moment in the New York City mayoral race, which is now approaching its critical final stages.

Currently residing in Texas, Gebbia is recognized for his involvement within the Trump administration as its chief design officer and maintains a position on Airbnb’s board of directors, despite having stepped away from an executive role at the company. Additionally, he serves on Tesla’s board of directors and has previously worked in the Department of Government Efficiency.

The timing of these substantial donations coincides with increased financial support for Cuomo from pro-Trump billionaire Bill Ackman, who recently contributed million to Defend NYC and an additional 0,000 to Fix the City. This influx of financial backing underscores the escalating competition among candidates as the mayoral election draws near.

On social media, Gebbia has critiqued Democratic front-runner Zohran Mamdani’s positions, labeling his anti-Israel stance as “spooky.” In a statement regarding the donations, Rich Azzopardi, a spokesperson for Cuomo, highlighted the perceived hypocrisy of Mamdani’s campaign, suggesting a disconnect between the candidate’s rhetoric against billionaires and the financial support he accepts from them.

Mamdani has responded to Gebbia’s donations by asserting that they exemplify Cuomo’s campaign’s values, which he perceives as an attempt to dominate the political landscape at the expense of working people. This critique reflects broader concerns among voters regarding the influence of wealthy donors in political races.

Furthermore, Gebbia’s past actions have sparked controversy, particularly following his advocacy for cryptocurrency investments, which drew backlash from the Airbnb community. This community has expressed discontent over Gebbia’s moves, suggesting that they would seek alternative travel options in light of his views.

Gebbia’s financial contributions also emerge amidst heightened scrutiny and debate surrounding short-term rental regulations in New York City. A recent law adopted by the City Council aims to prioritize long-term housing for residents over tourist accommodations, a development that poses challenges to Airbnb’s operations. In response, the company has launched a campaign to advocate for the relaxation of these restrictions for certain landlords.

As the mayoral race intensifies, the financial dynamics and implications of these contributions may play a critical role in shaping the electoral landscape in New York City.

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