Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia has announced his decision to work for the Department of Government Efficiency, sparking backlash from Airbnb hosts.
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In response to Gebbia’s move to join the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), created by President Trump to reduce government spending through budget cuts, agency eliminations, and mass layoffs without Congressional oversight, Airbnb hosts are leaving the platform in protest.
DOGE’s manager, Elon Musk, invited Gebbia to join the initiative in an unspecified role. Despite no longer being actively involved in Airbnb’s operations, Gebbia’s association with DOGE has led to a growing number of hosts pulling their listings from the site in objection.
One host, Krista O’Donnell from Virginia, shared with The San Francisco Standard that she has removed her Alexandria home from Airbnb after a decade-long partnership. O’Donnell expressed disappointment in Gebbia’s decision, citing Airbnb’s past support for refugees in need of emergency housing.
Another host, Kathleen Zeren from North Carolina, mentioned that while her listing remains on Airbnb, she has blocked bookings. Zeren, who relies on her Airbnb income for retirement, cannot support a platform with a co-founder involved in actions that she believes are detrimental to democracy.
Despite the reported impact on government agencies and employees, Airbnb co-founder Brian Chesky has not commented on Gebbia’s political involvement. A company spokesperson emphasized that Airbnb values diversity of viewpoints within its community.
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