Full Breakdown
Whiskey Mogul Offers $200 Million College Campus to Religious Institutions
3/16/2026, 11:27:59 PM
Vision for Revival: The Green Mountain College Initiative
Raj Peter Bhakta, the founder of the Vermont-based whiskey brand WhistlePig, is offering to donate the campus of the now-defunct Green Mountain College in Poultney, Vermont, valued at approximately $200 million, to a Catholic or Christian institution. This initiative is contingent upon the new owner sharing Bhakta's vision for a revival of American civilization rooted in spiritual values. Bhakta, who purchased the campus during the pandemic for $4.5 million, believes that the nation’s values are deteriorating and that a return to Christian roots is essential for societal renewal.
Background: Bhakta's Journey to Philanthropy
Bhakta's entry into the whiskey industry was notably influenced by his experience on "The Apprentice," where he was fired by then-President Donald Trump. Following a challenging period marked by financial struggles and a failed congressional run, Bhakta identified an opportunity in the high-end whiskey market, leading to the establishment of WhistlePig. However, after a corporate dispute, he sold his stake in the company in 2019 and subsequently launched Bhakta Spirits in 2020. His acquisition of the Green Mountain College campus was part of a broader ambition to address what he perceives as a crisis in American higher education.
The State of Green Mountain College
Green Mountain College, which closed in 2019 due to declining enrollment, was one of three private colleges in Vermont to shut down that year. Bhakta's vision for the campus includes fostering a new educational institution that aligns with his spiritual revival goals. Initially intending to lead the institution himself, he is now seeking "credible potential beneficiaries" who can effectively execute his vision, prioritizing Catholic institutions followed by other Christian groups. If he cannot find a suitable recipient, Bhakta has indicated he may consider selling the property.
Official Statements & Responses
Bhakta has articulated his belief that the current societal challenges cannot be resolved through technical or secular means alone. He stated, “There’s a deeper, more fundamental need in this country, and that is to go back to our Christian roots.” He expressed hope for a third great awakening in America, which he believes could lead to a revival of the nation and its values.
Criticism & Opposition
While Bhakta's initiative has garnered attention, it also raises questions about the feasibility of establishing a new institution in a landscape where many colleges are struggling. Critics may argue that the focus on religious values could limit the inclusivity and diversity of educational offerings, potentially alienating non-religious students or those from different faith backgrounds.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I bought this place, and then quickly learned that starting a college was a little bit more complicated than I had originally envisioned, especially while starting a new spirit startup,” — Raj Peter Bhakta, Founder of Bhakta Spirits
- “We’ve had two great awakenings in this country before, and I think we’re at the dawn, God willing, of a third great awakening,” — Raj Peter Bhakta
- “That, incidentally, is worth fighting for.” — Raj Peter Bhakta
Bhakta's ambitious plan for the Green Mountain College campus reflects his commitment to a vision of education intertwined with spiritual revival, aiming to address what he perceives as a critical need in contemporary American society.
