Airbnb Distances Itself From Co-Founder Joe Gebbia's 'Personal Views'
Photo Credit: (From left) Airbnb co-founders Nathan Blecharczyk, Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia at an LA event in 2016. Getty Images for Airbnb / Frazer Harrison
Skift Take
It's not a good look to have the chairman of Airbnb.org speak out against aid to refugees around the world.
In a sharp break, Airbnb has distanced itself from the personal opinions of co-founder and board member Joe Gebbia, who has become a vocal supporter of President Trump and Elon Musk's DOGE.
"Joe is joining DOGE in his personal capacity,” Christopher Nulty, Airbnb’s head of corporate communications and public affairs told Skift. “While he continues to serve on the Airbnb board, Joe has not had an operating role at the company since July 2022, and his personal views don't reflect the views of Airbnb or Airbnb.org."
A source close to Airbnb said Gebbia’s turn toward Trump, which the co-founder announced on X two days after the inauguration in January, and advocacy for DOGE have created concern internally at Airbnb, which is a very liberal company.
Airbnb's online community center is filled with messages from hosts who said they are leaving Airbnb or are considering deleting their listings unless Airbnb cuts ties with Gebbia.
Typical is a comment from one host in Buffalo, New York, who wrote: "Anyway - it's sad. I am a host of 12 years and a Superhost and I will be looking to list elsewhere unless they lose Joe Gebbia fast."
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