Airbnb founder co founder joins Musk at new Dept of Government Efficiency

[Helen3]

I was shocked to read that Airbnb co founder Joe Gebbia is joining Elon Musk at this new government  department which has already sacked 10,000 in a government  witchunt - with no notice or reason.

It certainly doesn't align with the Airbnb brand of being open and welcoming to all.

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/airbnb-co-founder-joe-gebbia-take-role-musks-doge-nyt-says-2025-02-...

[Crystal3]

As former 6+ year Super Host and long time users of Airbnb we are glad to know about this. We will not be using Airbnb in the future.

[Judi1363]

Don’t throw out the AIRBNB baby along with the bathwater!

Take action, but please DON’T BOYCOTT! There’s something else you can do. Otherwise, you’ll hurt DISPLACED PERSONS in need of housing and mom-and-pop HOSTS like me. Read on!

CONCERN: Joe Gebbia, co-founder of Airbnb, has just joined DOGE. There are loud calls to boycott Airbnb. But…

KEY BACKGROUND: There are TWO Airbnb companies: .COM and .ORG. Notice that the second is a not-for-profit company. ORG provides FREE housing for displaced people all over the Globe – Ukraine, LA fires (19,000 people so far), Southeast Georgia floods, Greece earthquakes, and many others. Hosts can contribute $$ or their rental unit to help fund it. Check out their website.

GEBBIA: He’s the Chairman of .ORG. He stepped away from any executive role at .COM years ago, though he is still on the board and an 8% owner.

TAKE ACTION: Skip the boycott and continue to help others who are desperate, and go right to the top. Tell the other co-founders you want Gebbia removed from the .COM Board and the leadership team at .ORG. Email Brian Chesky - the Chairman and CEO of .COM, as well as Nathan Blecharczyk - Chief Strategy Officer of .COM. (See email addresses below.)

Boycotts are effective, but so is deluging leaders with our opinions. The latter doesn’t hurt those who are being helped.

PLEASE SHARE WIDELY!

EMAILS: This message won't post with specific email addresses so please pardon the gibberish...

Brian dot Chesky at Airbnb dot com

Nathan at Airbnb dot com

[Helen3]

Sorry I don't agree @Judi1363 

1. Airbng.org provides a tiny amount of housing to those affected by disasters and much of it in the US or Europe. Local government, international aid agencies provide a huge amount more particularly in developing countries.

Can you link to information showing that the millions of displaced Palestinians who are homeless, hungry and who have no access to education/healthcare are being supported by this programme?

2. Many hosts don't live in your country so we can't lobby your leaders

3. As a small business owner particularly in the US there are lots of other STR platforms you can use if you are disappointed in Gebba's actions

Finally yes absolutely lobby in addition to taking direct action.

[Josephine-Akosua0 · Accepted solution]

@Helen3 thanks for sharing this. As I sit in far away Ghana I can only say that the goings on on the other side of various ponds and seas affect us all. Global village etc. Most of us in the thread are clearly not naive-- we know that as hosts and guests we will be affected by the presence, clout and influence of the billionaires.  The personal is political as they say. Nothing in this world is neutral. I will be adding my voice to the cries of disappointment.  

[Helen3]

Thanks so much for your reasoned response. You are correct what is happening in the  US government has the risk of impacting on us all - from their involvement in the Ukraine/Russain war and the holocaust currently happening in Palestine to broader international affairs in Canada, Mexico and the Middle East. @Josephine-Akosua0  frightening times indeed that so few have such control over the lives of so many.

McCarthyism springs to mind.

[Josephine-Akosua0]

@Helen3 concerning times indeed... the past images that are evoked are disturbing, but it seems many don't (won't?) learn from history. Then again, a lot of history is buried and distorted. AirbnB is a business, and we can either remain with it and push for it to be one we can accept (albeit imperfect with some aspects we disagree with), or we can push and push and if there is no shift--we pack up and leave. I would first seek to see how we can retain it as a largely inclusive space devoid of undue desire for profit and privacy overreach. If that doesn't work... well then... 

[Kathleen8]

I have tried to communicate my disappointment with Mr. Gebbia's unwise decision.
I have already had a cancellation for this upcoming season as a result of his actions.
Does AirBnB have a plan to reimburse me for my losses?
Owners of companies like this should remain neutral on political issues. I'm wondering how his shareholders will respond when revenue drops?

Rob Jordan

Superhost 

[Laureen36]

I will be deactivating my account and taking my business to Vrbo. Too bad Gebbia is ruining Airbnb because of his stupid political move. Karma is a bitch.

[Laureen36]

We have several friends in the CDC that have lost their jobs and livelihood because of this undemocratic, disgusting department. Not to mention the fact it is putting our nations health at risk. I will be deactivating my account and doing my business with VrBo and other companies that have a soul. Good luck. Karma is a bitch.

[Lisel1]

Brian Chesky needs to make a public announcement to make it know that Airbnb supports DEI ! This bad press in regards to Joe Gebbia ( who no longer works at Airbnb) joining Musk is worrisome to alot of us hosts. 

[Helen3]

He is still Chairman of

Airbnb.org @Lisel1 

[Lisel1]

I realize this but so many of us as individual homeowners need the income we earn from this platform. Have you done your homework on the other platforms? You may find many have their own problematic connections as well. 

[Alessandro2064]

He's still on the board but has also been inactive for several years now.  I get why people want to jump ship but I'm not shooting myself in the foot to spite my nose.  Literally zero people would care if I leave the platform or not.

[Helen3]

It would really depend on how many people leave the platform as hosts and guests. 

of course if enough do it will affect their reputation and business model

@Alessandro2064 

[Alessandro2064]

Change what business model?

I get some guests not wanting to give their money to a brand like tesla or stop driving because big oil helped fund this administration .....but to stop your income flow to spite a few billionaires is just silly.   Less competition for me I guess.