Freerepublic $54M Private Jet Source Bing.com
Freerepublic, a conservative online forum, made headlines in 2020 after it was revealed that the website’s owner, Jim Thompson, had purchased a $54 million private jet. The purchase, which was made through Thompson’s company, Bulk Resource Group LLC, sparked outrage among many members of the forum who felt that the money could have been better spent on conservative causes.
The Purchase
Freerepublic Private Jet Purchase Source Bing.com
The purchase of the private jet was first reported by the Daily Beast in August 2020. According to the report, Thompson had used Bulk Resource Group LLC to purchase the jet, which is a Gulfstream G650ER. The jet is capable of flying nonstop from New York to Hong Kong and can seat up to 19 passengers.
Thompson defended the purchase, stating that it was necessary for his business and that he had used his own money to make the purchase. He also stated that the jet would be used for business purposes and that it would not be used for personal travel.
The Backlash
Freerepublic Private Jet Backlash Source Bing.com
Many members of the Freerepublic community were outraged by the purchase of the private jet. Some felt that the money could have been better spent on conservative causes, while others felt that the purchase was hypocritical given the website’s focus on fiscal responsibility.
There were also concerns about the optics of the purchase, particularly given the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people were struggling financially, and the purchase of a $54 million private jet was seen by some as tone-deaf.
Thompson’s Response
Jim Thompson Response Freerepublic Source Bing.com
Thompson responded to the backlash in a statement on the Freerepublic website. In the statement, he acknowledged that some members of the community were upset by the purchase but defended his decision to buy the jet.
He stated that the jet was necessary for his business and that it would ultimately save money in the long run. He also pointed out that he had used his own money to make the purchase and that he had not taken any money from the Freerepublic community.
The Fallout
Freerepublic Fallout Source Bing.com
The fallout from the purchase was significant. Many members of the Freerepublic community were outraged and called for Thompson to step down as the owner of the website. Some even called for a boycott of the website.
Thompson did not step down as the owner of the website, but the controversy did lead to some changes. The website’s moderators implemented new rules to prevent discussions about the private jet purchase and banned users who continued to bring it up.
Conclusion
The purchase of the $54 million private jet by the owner of Freerepublic sparked outrage among many members of the conservative online forum. While Jim Thompson defended the purchase as necessary for his business, many felt that the money could have been better spent on conservative causes. The fallout from the controversy was significant and led to changes within the Freerepublic community.
