Key facts
- LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman said AI has been marketed "horribly" to Americans.
- Hoffman believes a presidential candidate could win in 2028 by explaining AI's economic benefits.
- Hoffman donated millions to Kamala Harris' presidential campaign in the 2024 cycle.
- Hoffman has a long-running feud with President Donald Trump.
LinkedIn co-founder and Democratic megadonor Reid Hoffman admitted on Wednesday that artificial intelligence has been poorly marketed to Americans, but sees a path for a tech optimist to win the presidency in 2028. Hoffman stated during POLITICO’s Decoded Summit in Washington that "AI has been marketed horribly to the American people." He suggested that if a candidate can help Americans understand how AI could economically benefit them, especially amid rising prices for gas and food, then "there’s a lane for presidential candidates to be more AI positive." He contrasted this with current messaging around data centers. Hoffman also clarified that AI and tech optimism are not necessary for his personal political support, emphasizing the importance of supporting the rule of law and rejecting election denialism. During the 2024 cycle, Hoffman donated millions to former Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign. He has a long-standing feud with President Donald Trump, stemming from Hoffman's past donations to Trump's political opponents and his funding of E. Jean Carroll's lawsuits against Trump.