The Slow Newscast Ackman: A billionaire’s war on woke
Feb 13, 2024
Bill Ackman, a billionaire hedge fund manager and spearheading a broader backlash against 'woke' politics, discusses his successful campaign to topple Harvard’s first black leader, his battle of ideas sparked by Hamas's attacks on Israel, and the controversy surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion.
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Ackman vs. Icahn
- Bill Ackman and Carl Icahn, two hedge fund billionaires, had a public feud on CNBC in 2013.
- The argument, known as the "battle of the billionaires," centered on Herbalife, a nutritional supplement company.
A New Battle
- Ten years after his feud with Icahn, Ackman engaged in a new battle of ideas.
- This new fight revolves around "woke" politics and its impact on American society.
Ackman's Background
- Bill Ackman, a Harvard alumnus and successful hedge fund manager, is known for his activist investing.
- He profits from risky bets, like his $2.6 billion win during the pandemic.