As the 2024 election campaign gains momentum, Donald Trump has been garnering financial support from some of the wealthiest individuals in the world, including billionaires and prominent business figures. A notable group of Silicon Valley elites, such as Elon Musk, has joined the ranks of traditional Trump supporters to help fuel his bid for a second term in office.
Among the former president’s donors are longtime allies from his days in the business world, as well as new backers, including major GOP donors who previously supported other Republican candidates or even Democrats. These donors come from a wide range of industries, from oil moguls in red states to tech leaders like Musk and Marc Andreessen, who were once more left-leaning in their political views.
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Their reasons for supporting Trump vary. For some, the motivation lies in opposition to Kamala Harris' tax proposals, while others are drawn to Trump’s hardline stance on immigration. One prominent donor, Blackstone CEO Steve Schwarzman, expressed his rationale in a statement to Axios: "I share the concern of most Americans that our economic, immigration, and foreign policies are taking the country in the wrong direction. For these reasons, I am planning to vote for change and support Donald Trump for President."
Interestingly, Schwarzman had previously indicated in 2022 that he would not support Trump during the primaries and called for the Republican Party to look for new leadership. His shift in stance underscores the growing influence Trump continues to hold within GOP circles.
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These donations are being funneled through various channels, including the "Trump 47" joint fundraising committee, which splits proceeds between Trump’s campaign and the Republican National Committee, as well as the MAGA Inc. super PAC.
Elon Musk:
Elon Musk, the world’s wealthiest man, donated $45 million to Trump’s America PAC.
Steve Schwarzman:
Steve Schwarzman, Blackstone CEO, pledged support to Trump despite earlier calls for new Republican leadership.
Miriam Adelson:
Miriam Adelson, billionaire widow, pledged over $90 million to Trump's reelection via Preserve America PAC.
Harold Hamm:
Oil magnate Harold Hamm contributed $814,600 to Trump’s 2024 campaign and $200,000 to MAGA Inc.
Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein:
The Uihleins, worth $13 billion, shifted support from DeSantis to Trump, donating millions to MAGA Inc.
Douglas Leone:
Venture capitalist Doug Leone, former Trump critic, donated $2 million to Trump's Right for America PAC.
Kelcy Warren:
Pipeline tycoon Kelcy Warren backed Trump with $5 million after briefly supporting Ron DeSantis’s campaign.
Ike Perlmutter:
Ike Perlmutter, ex-Marvel chairman, donated $10 million to Trump's Right for America super PAC.
Joe Ricketts:
Joe Ricketts, founder of TD Ameritrade, gave over $800,000 to Trump’s 2024 Trump 47 Committee.
John Paulson:
Hedge fund manager John Paulson hosted a fundraiser for Trump, raising millions from billionaire backers.
Steve Wynn:
Casino mogul Steve Wynn, worth $3.4 billion, gave $806,300 to Trump’s Trump 47 Committee.
Woody Johnson:
Woody Johnson, heir to Johnson & Johnson fortune, donated $1 million to Trump’s MAGA Inc. super PAC.
Geoffrey Palmer:
Real estate developer Geoffrey Palmer contributed $2 million to Trump’s MAGA Inc. super PAC.
Linda McMahon:
WWE co-founder Linda McMahon, a longtime Trump supporter, donated $10 million to MAGA Inc.
Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss:
Winklevoss twins, crypto billionaires, donated over $2 million to Trump’s 2024 America PAC and MAGA Inc.
Phil Ruffin:
Casino owner Phil Ruffin, a close Trump associate, contributed $2 million to MAGA Inc.
Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz:
Venture capitalists Andreessen and Horowitz announced Trump support, backing his 2024 campaign through donations.
Kelly Loeffler and Jeff Sprecher:
Loeffler and Sprecher, major GOP donors, contributed millions to Trump’s 2024 reelection campaign funds.
Robert and Rebekah Mercer:
Robert Mercer, influential GOP donor, reemerged with $814,399 donation to Trump 47 Committee in 2024.
Robert Bigelow:
Billionaire hotel mogul Robert Bigelow shifted support from DeSantis, donating over $10 million to Trump.
José "Pepe" Fanjul:
Sugar magnate José Fanjul, longtime GOP donor, contributed $814,600 to Trump’s 2024 Trump 47 Committee.
Tilman Fertitta:
Business tycoon Tilman Fertitta, owner of the Houston Rockets, donated $407,000 to Trump’s 2024 campaign.
Bernard Marcus:
Home Depot co-founder Bernard Marcus gave $2.7 million to Trump’s 2024 reelection campaign and super PACs.
Bill Ackman:
Hedge fund billionaire Bill Ackman endorsed Trump on X but has not yet contributed financially.