New York Democrat Omeed Malik has joined the Daily Caller as a minority investor and contributing editor, The Hill has confirmed.
The former Merrill Lynch hedge fund managing director cited an “imperative” need for “people with diverse backgrounds across the ideological spectrum” to “discuss ideas freely” and “avoid echo chambers” that result in “confirmation bias” in explaining his decision.
Malik, 41, currently co-hosts a weekly digital program with Daily Caller Senior White House Correspondent Christian Datoc called “Wall Street Meets Washington.”
He also had an appearance on the Showtime hit “Billions,” a fictional show that focuses on the hedge fund world.
“Given the high level of polarization in our country today, it is imperative that people with diverse backgrounds across the ideological spectrum come together to discuss ideas freely and avoid echo chambers that only lead to confirmation bias,” Malik said in the Monday afternoon statement provided to The Hill. “In that vein, I’m excited to join the Daily Caller to do just that and to assist in delivering passionate, authentic, and respectful news and commentary.”
Daily Caller Publisher and Editor Neil Patel said Malik being “a lifelong Democrat” and “a Muslim American son of immigrants” on the Daily Caller team will help provide “multi-dimensional perspectives.”
“This is not about conservative versus liberal. It’s about providing a free speech, independent media alternative to the dominant corporate media with its increasingly bland corporate news products,” he said. “Omeed Malik shares this vision. As a lifelong Democrat, a hugely successful Wall Street veteran with both legal and political experience and a Muslim American son of immigrants, Omeed is committed to bringing new voices to Daily Caller.”
Malik donated to President Trump in 2019 but has also donated to several Democrats, according to OpenSecrets.org, including Hillary Clinton in 2015, Joe Kennedy III (D-Mass.) and 2020 presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii). Malik also hosted a fundraiser for Gabbard in 2019.
The Daily Caller, which attracts primarily a conservative audience, was co-founded by Patel and current Fox News host Tucker Carlson in 2010.
–This report was updated on Aug. 18 at 7:14 a.m.