In American politics, money is a crucial element for success. Political campaigns rely heavily on donations to fund everything from advertisements to travel expenses.
Donald Trump, a billionaire businessman turned politician, has garnered significant financial support from some of the wealthiest individuals in the world.
These funders, who come from various kinds of sectors including media, technology, energy, and finance, are motivated by an equal passion to advance policies that support their personal and professional goals.
A thorough examination of 30 of the wealthiest donors who have backed Trump’s political aspirations is provided below.
1. Elon Musk (Net worth: $240+ billion)
Elon Musk, the world’s wealthiest man and the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has had a complicated relationship with Trump.
While Musk has not publicly announced large donations to Trump, his political leanings on free speech, economic growth, and limited regulation suggest an alignment with Trump’s vision for the U.S. economy.
Musk’s businesses, especially Tesla and SpaceX, have thrived under policies that emphasize deregulation and innovation, which Trump has supported during his presidency.
2. Steve Schwarzman (Net worth: $35 billion)
Steve Schwarzman, CEO of Blackstone, is one of Trump’s most prominent financial backers. Schwarzman has donated millions of dollars to Trump’s campaigns and supports his ideas, which prioritize tax reform, deregulation, and economic growth.
His support originates from Trump’s economic strategy, which favors business-friendly policies that lower obstacles for investment corporations such as Blackstone.
3. Ken Griffin (Net worth: $30 billion)
Ken Griffin, founder and CEO of the hedge fund Citadel, has been a strong financial supporter of conservative causes, including Trump. Griffin’s donations are fueled by his belief in a free-market economy, less government interference, and lower taxes. Trump’s push for tax cuts and financial deregulation has directly benefited Griffin’s hedge fund, making him a key donor in Trump’s political efforts.
4. Sheldon Adelson (Net worth: $35 billion before his death)
Sheldon Adelson, the casino magnate and founder of Las Vegas Sands Corporation, was one of Trump’s biggest financial supporters until his death in 2021. Adelson and his wife, Miriam, were staunch advocates of pro-Israel policies, which Trump advanced during his presidency by moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem and recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. Adelson’s casino empire also benefited from Trump’s pro-business and deregulatory policies.
5. Peter Thiel (Net worth: $9 billion)
Peter Thiel, the co-founder of PayPal and an early investor in Facebook, is one of the few Silicon Valley figures to publicly back Trump. Thiel’s libertarian views on governmental interference and belief in technology progress align with Trump’s economic plans. Thiel has made major contributions to Trump’s campaigns and has advocated for measures that minimize government supervision in the tech industry, which are consistent with Trump’s deregulation program.
6. Harold Hamm (Net worth: $19 billion)
Harold Hamm, an oil billionaire and founder of Continental Resources, has been a vocal supporter of Trump’s energy policies. Hamm’s fortune is deeply tied to the oil industry, and Trump’s pro-energy stance, which included rolling back environmental regulations and promoting fossil fuels, directly benefited Hamm’s business. His donations reflect his desire to maintain policies that prioritize American energy independence and deregulation of the oil and gas industry.
7. Bernard Marcus (Net worth: $7.9 billion)
Bernard Marcus, co-founder of Home Depot, is another prominent backer of Trump’s political agenda. Marcus has donated millions to Trump’s campaigns and has been outspoken about his support for Trump’s economic policies, particularly those that benefit businesses. Marcus is a strong advocate for lower taxes, deregulation, and reducing government intervention in the private sector, all of which align with Trump’s political platform.
8. Isaac Perlmutter (Net worth: $5 billion)
Isaac Perlmutter, the former CEO of Marvel Entertainment, has long been a discreet but significant contributor to Trump. Perlmutter’s support for Trump originates from his conservative political views and support for measures that encourage economic growth while reducing government intrusion. Perlmutter has served in informal advising opportunities during Trump’s presidency, focusing on veterans’ problems.
9. Robert Mercer (Net worth: $1 billion)
Robert Mercer, a former co-CEO of the hedge fund Renaissance Technologies, was one of the most influential donors during Trump’s 2016 campaign. Mercer’s donations helped fund key conservative causes, including Breitbart News, which played a significant role in promoting Trump’s candidacy. Mercer is known for his libertarian views and strong opposition to government regulation, aligning him closely with Trump’s political philosophy.
10. Larry Ellison (Net worth: $130 billion)
Larry Ellison, founder of Oracle, has made substantial contributions to Trump’s political efforts, particularly through fundraising events. Ellison’s support is rooted in Trump’s pro-business policies and his approach to tax cuts and deregulation. As the head of a major tech company, Ellison appreciates Trump’s efforts to reduce regulatory burdens on large corporations, which have allowed companies like Oracle to thrive.
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11. Carl Icahn (Net worth: $22 billion)
Carl Icahn, a billionaire investor and longtime Trump confidant, has been a major backer of Trump’s political campaigns. Icahn’s backing stems from their similar position in eliminating government regulation and encouraging economic growth. Icahn was an informal adviser to Trump on regulatory change, and his companies benefited from Trump’s policies that reduced red tape and increased corporate flexibility.
12. Stephen Feinberg (Net worth: $3 billion)
Stephen Feinberg, CEO of private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management, has been a consistent donor to Trump’s campaigns. Feinberg’s support is driven by his belief in free markets and his desire to see less government control over private businesses. Trump’s deregulatory efforts and tax cuts for corporations have been beneficial to private equity firms like Cerberus, making Feinberg a key financial backer.
13. Rupert Murdoch (Net worth: $17 billion)
Rupert Murdoch, the media mogul behind Fox News and The Wall Street Journal, has long been a supporter of Trump. Murdoch’s media empire has played a significant role in shaping conservative public opinion and promoting Trump’s political agenda. His financial contributions reflect his alignment with Trump’s policies on deregulation, free markets, and conservative values.
14. Vince McMahon (Net worth: $2.9 billion)
Vince McMahon, the chairman and CEO of WWE, has been a friend and supporter of Trump for decades. McMahon’s wife, Linda McMahon, served as the head of the Small Business Administration under Trump, further solidifying the family’s ties to Trump’s political movement. Vince McMahon has contributed to Trump’s campaigns, motivated by their shared business interests and conservative views.
15. Paul Singer (Net worth: $4.3 billion)
Paul Singer, the millionaire founder of Elliott Management, is a famous Republican fundraiser who has supported Trump’s political campaigns. Singer’s support stems from his conviction in free market principles and his opposition to government intervention in the economy. Trump’s tax reform and deregulation measures have benefited investors like as Singer, earning him significant financial backing.
16. Joe Ricketts (Net worth: $4 billion)
Joe Ricketts, founder of TD Ameritrade, has been a longtime supporter of conservative causes, including Trump’s campaigns. Ricketts’ financial backing is motivated by his desire for lower taxes and fewer regulations on businesses, both of which are central to Trump’s economic agenda. Ricketts’ family also owns the Chicago Cubs, and they have been involved in political fundraising for Trump.
17. Sheldon G. Adelson Foundation
Following Sheldon Adelson’s death, his foundation has continued to support Trump’s political causes. The foundation is focused on conservative policies and pro-Israel initiatives, both of which align with Trump’s foreign policy. The Adelson family’s continued support is a testament to the strong relationship between Trump and one of his most significant financial backers.
18. Thomas Peterffy (Net worth: $25 billion)
The founder of Interactive Brokers, Thomas Peterffy, has been an unwavering supporter of Trump’s political agenda. Peterffy’s support for deregulation, free markets, and reduced taxes has led him to donate to Trump’s campaigns. Trump’s economic policies, especially the tax cuts, have helped Peterffy’s brokerage firm directly, making him a significant financial supporter.
19. Charles Koch (Net worth: $63 billion)
Charles Koch, one of the wealthiest men in the world and head of Koch Industries, has been a significant donor to conservative causes for decades. Although Koch has been critical of some of Trump’s policies and political tactics, he has supported Trump’s tax reform efforts and his push to deregulate industries. Koch Industries has benefited from Trump’s pro-business agenda, particularly in the energy sector.
20. Ronald Lauder (Net worth: $4.5 billion)
Ronald Lauder, the wealthy heir to the Estée Lauder cosmetics fortune, has supported Trump’s political efforts because they have similar views on business and international affairs. Lauder has expressed particular interest in Trump’s ideas that promote Israel and decrease government engagement in the private sector. His gifts demonstrate his support for conservative causes and Trump’s leadership.
21. Frank Fertitta III (Net worth: $2.5 billion)
Frank Fertitta III, owner of Station Casinos and the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship), has been a significant donor to Trump’s political campaigns. Fertitta’s business interests in casinos and sports entertainment have benefited from Trump’s deregulatory policies, especially concerning tax cuts and looser regulations in the gambling industry. Fertitta’s financial support is tied to Trump’s business-friendly policies, which align with his own interests in the hospitality and entertainment sectors.
22. Diane Hendricks (Net worth: $13 billion)
Diane Hendricks, co-founder of ABC Supply, one of the largest roofing and siding wholesale distributors in the U.S., has been a key donor to Trump’s campaigns. Hendricks, a staunch supporter of conservative values, backs Trump’s focus on tax cuts, deregulation, and economic policies that promote business growth. Her contributions reflect her desire to see a government that prioritizes private enterprise and minimizes regulatory hurdles for businesses.
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23. Steve Wynn (Net worth: $3.3 billion)
Steve Wynn, a casino magnate and former finance chairman of the Republican National Committee, has been a close ally and donor to Trump’s political efforts. Wynn’s involvement in the hospitality and entertainment industries benefited from Trump’s policies that supported deregulation and reduced government oversight. His financial support is motivated by a shared vision of economic growth driven by private business and limited government intervention.
24. Kelcy Warren (Net worth: $4.5 billion)
Kelcy Warren, chairman of Energy Transfer Partners, a large pipeline business, has been a vocal backer of Trump due to their similar energy objectives. Trump’s approval of controversial pipeline projects such as the Dakota Access Pipeline directly benefited Warren’s business, making him a valuable donor. Warren has supported Trump’s initiatives to remove environmental restrictions and boost energy independence, which are critical to his company’s success.
25. Richard Uihlein (Net worth: $4 billion)
Richard Uihlein, CEO of Uline, a packaging supply company, is one of Trump’s most consistent donors. Uihlein’s conservative values and support for Trump’s economic policies, including tax cuts and deregulation, align with his business interests. His financial backing reflects his belief in smaller government and policies that promote business-friendly environments.
26. Ron Cameron (Net worth: $1 billion)
Ron Cameron, chairman of Mountaire Farms, one of the largest poultry companies in the U.S., has been a staunch supporter of Trump. Cameron’s business interests in agriculture have benefited from Trump’s deregulatory policies and trade negotiations that favor American farmers. His donations are driven by a desire to see policies that support the agricultural sector and reduce government interference in business.
27. Stanley Hubbard (Net worth: $2 billion)
Stanley Hubbard, CEO of Hubbard Broadcasting, has been a significant financial backer of Trump’s political campaigns. Hubbard’s media empire aligns with Trump’s conservative message, and his support for deregulation in the broadcasting industry aligns with Trump’s efforts to roll back government oversight. Hubbard’s donations reflect his commitment to conservative policies and free-market principles.
28. John Catsimatidis (Net worth: $4.1 billion)
John Catsimatidis, a millionaire businessman and owner of Gristedes Foods and Red Apple Group, backed Trump because of their similar economic beliefs. Catsimatidis has been a vocal supporter of tax cuts, deregulation, and measures that encourage economic growth. His contributions to Trump’s campaigns are driven by a desire for a government that promotes entrepreneurship and lowers barriers to corporate success.
29. Wilbur Ross (Net worth: $600 million)
Wilbur Ross, Trump’s former Secretary of Commerce, has been a close ally and financial supporter of Trump’s political efforts. As a billionaire investor, Ross has supported Trump’s focus on trade reform, particularly policies that protect American businesses and workers. Ross’s donations reflect his alignment with Trump’s economic policies, especially those aimed at promoting American industry and reducing reliance on foreign markets.
30. David Koch (Net worth: $58 billion before his death)
David Koch, a major conservative contributor and co-owner of Koch Industries, was a financial supporter of Trump, specially his tax and regulatory ideas.
Although David Koch died in 2019, his legacy of supporting conservative candidates, including Trump, carries on through the family’s ongoing financial contributions to organizations that line with their economic interests and free-market principles.
These 30 billionaires, whose fortunes range from billions to hundreds of millions of dollars, have been essential in funding Donald Trump’s political campaigns. Their efforts demonstrate a shared desire to promote policies that favor industry, decrease government interference, and uphold conservative ideals.
Trump’s focus on tax cuts, deregulation, energy independence, and business-friendly reforms has resonated with these donors, who see his presidency as a continuation of policies that favor private enterprise and economic growth.
While some of these donors have personal ties to Trump, others support him because of shared economic and political beliefs. As Trump maintains his power in the Republican Party and American politics, these financial backers will most certainly continue to play an important role in determining his future political activities.
