Joe Gebbia, the co-founder of Airbnb, has announced his resignation from the position of chairman at Airbnb.org, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing assistance to refugees and disaster victims. This decision comes in the wake of Airbnb's recent efforts to distance itself from Gebbia's controversial views regarding refugee aid, which some critics have labeled as insensitive and politically charged.

Despite stepping down from his role at Airbnb.org, Gebbia will continue to serve as a director on the Airbnb board, where he, along with his fellow co-founders, retains significant control. The decision to resign was made public just a month after Airbnb took a stand against some of Gebbia's statements and actions, which included his support for initiatives linked to former President Donald Trump's administration and his remarks that have been perceived as critical towards refugees and undocumented immigrants.

In a statement to Skift, Airbnb confirmed Gebbia's departure from Airbnb.org, noting, “After more than six years as Airbnb.org’s board chair, Joe has decided to step off of the board.” This statement was made following inquiries from Skift, particularly after noticing that Gebbia’s LinkedIn profile no longer listed his role with Airbnb.org. However, Airbnb did not elaborate on the reasons for Gebbia's resignation.

Gebbia, who has been a vocal supporter of Trump, is currently involved with the DOGE initiative, which aims to redesign a retirement system for federal workers. His activities and statements have sparked frustration among some Airbnb hosts and guests, leading to broader discussions about the company’s values and leadership. Additionally, Gebbia is a director at Tesla, the electric vehicle company founded by Elon Musk, further highlighting his ties to prominent figures in the business and political world.

Since its establishment, Airbnb.org has played a crucial role in providing support to various communities, offering free temporary housing to individuals ranging from Ukrainian refugees to victims of natural disasters such as California's wildfires. In its latest Form 990 filing as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, Airbnb.org emphasized its commitment to aiding those in need, stating, “Providing free, welcoming stays with the comforts of home for refugees, asylum seekers, and other newcomers was a founding pillar of Airbnb.org.” The organization has also launched a new initiative in 2023 aimed at funding and facilitating free temporary housing for refugees and asylum seekers resettling in the United States.

Furthermore, Airbnb.org has created a platform that connects refugees and asylum seekers with hosts willing to offer free or discounted accommodations, fostering community inclusion and support. However, Gebbia's own vocal criticism of refugees and asylum seekers has raised questions about his role within the organization meant to support these vulnerable populations.

For instance, Gebbia shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) by Vice President J.D. Vance that was critical of refugee policies, further complicating his position as chairman of an organization committed to helping those very individuals. Given his controversial stance on such issues, many have argued that Gebbia's continued presence in any leadership role at Airbnb.org became increasingly untenable.

In the year 2023 alone, Airbnb.org distributed 22 grants and other forms of assistance to various domestic organizations and government bodies, with a notable portion directed towards refugee assistance efforts. Specifically, twelve grants were allocated to organizations focused on aiding refugees, nine to groups involved in disaster relief, and one to an organization catering to both refugees and disaster victims. While Gebbia's resignation marks a significant shift for Airbnb.org, he remains on Airbnb's board, and the two entities, while separate, continue to receive support from each other.

As it stands, Gebbia, along with fellow co-founders Brian Chesky and Nathan Blecharczyk, holds a voting majority on Airbnb's board, thanks to a nominating and voting rights agreement that secures their control over the company. The dynamics of leadership within Airbnb will continue to evolve as the organization responds to the challenges and controversies that arise amidst its commitment to social responsibility.