> I can't say I've seen many articles that really try to understand Thiel's politics or intentions

I mean...it's not like there is much to understand. Him, Mercer and Bannon became extremely passionate about getting Trump in the WH and as soon as 2017 came around they lost all the leverage and didn't even try to strongarm Trump into doing whatever they thought was to be done.

The 3 men have been extremely relevant in getting Trump elected but were essentially gone by 2017.