Tech Billionaires Accused of Privatizing Ohio Government

Investigative journalist Whitney Webb exposes public-private partnerships that funnel billions to big tech data centers

Mar. 29, 2026 at 5:50pm

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A photorealistic painting in the style of Edward Hopper, depicting a government building or public infrastructure shrouded in warm, dramatic lighting and deep shadows, conveying a sense of solitude and the erosion of democratic institutions.A somber portrait of the privatization of public institutions, as tech billionaires exert growing control over government functions.New Albany Today

Investigative journalist Whitney Webb has released a new investigation alleging that billionaire Leslie Wexner and Jeffrey Epstein built a corporate welfare state in Ohio, creating a model of 'public-private partnerships' that privatized government, funneled billions in taxpayer money to big tech data centers, and is now driving up electricity bills while gutting public schools and healthcare. Webb details how Wexner created a de facto private government in his hometown of New Albany, Ohio, which evolved into JobsOhio - a private corporation that controls the state's liquor tax revenue with zero public accountability.

Why it matters

Webb warns that Ohio is a 'petri dish' for a nationwide takeover, where data centers are replacing public infrastructure, digital IDs are mandatory, and federal legislation is stripping local governments of the power to resist. This investigation raises concerns about the growing influence of tech billionaires in government and the erosion of democratic institutions.

The details

According to Webb, the model created in Ohio by Wexner and Epstein has become the blueprint for a 'techno-feudal state' promoted by 'dark enlightenment' figures like Peter Thiel and JD Vance. She also dissects the coordinated effort by Compact Magazine, Peter Thiel, and Soros-funded outlets to dismiss the Epstein scandal, and raises concerns about Joe Kent's emergence as a potential controlled opposition figure designed to manufacture a 'domestic terrorist' profile the government can later use against anti-war populists.

  • The investigation was published on March 29, 2026.

The players

Whitney Webb

An investigative journalist and author who has released a new investigation exposing how tech billionaires have privatized government in Ohio.

Leslie Wexner

A billionaire who created a de facto private government in New Albany, Ohio, which evolved into JobsOhio - a private corporation that controls the state's liquor tax revenue.

Jeffrey Epstein

A financier who worked with Leslie Wexner to build the corporate welfare state in Ohio.

Peter Thiel

A 'dark enlightenment' figure who has promoted the techno-feudal state model created in Ohio.

JD Vance

A 'dark enlightenment' figure who has promoted the techno-feudal state model created in Ohio.

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What they’re saying

“Ohio is a petri dish for a nationwide takeover, where data centers are replacing public infrastructure, digital IDs are mandatory, and federal legislation is stripping local governments of the power to resist.”

— Whitney Webb, Investigative Journalist

The takeaway

This investigation highlights the growing influence of tech billionaires in government and the erosion of democratic institutions, as private corporations and public-private partnerships increasingly control public resources and decision-making.