Friday, November 22, 2024
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Who’s funding the 2024 Race? Meet the billionaires behind Trump and Harris

As the 2024 U.S. presidential election fast approaches, endorsements from high-profile billionaires have been pouring in from both sides of the aisle.

Taylor Swift’s announcement that she will be voting for Vice President Kamala Harris marked another billionaire backing for the Democratic nominee, who currently trails former President Donald Trump in endorsements from the mega-rich. Currently, Harris has the support of almost a dozen billionaires, including familiar names such as hedge fund manager and philanthropist George Soros and investor and television personality Mark Cuban

Meanwhile, Trump’s Republican ticket has garnered the support of nearly 20 billionaires ahead of November. Tesla owner Elon Musk is not only backing Trump for president, but he says he is also ready to serve in Trump’s cabinet. The outspoken X owner is also planning a new government task force, which Trump has said Musk will lead. 

While some have merely shared their statements on social media, others have hosted campaign events or let their massive donations speak for themselves. 

Fortune compiled a list of all the billionaire endorsements thus far in the 2024 election cycle:

Billionaires who have backed Kamala Harris

George Soros is seen at an event, smiling. He wears a suit and tie.

Jason Alden—Bloomberg/Getty Images

George Soros – Founder, Soros Fund Management
Soros, known for throwing millions at philanthropic and political causes, immediately supported Harris after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race. His son and heir, Alex Soros, posted about their support in July. 

“It’s time for us all to unite around Kamala Harris and beat Donald Trump,” the post read. “She is the best and most qualified candidate we have. Long live the American Dream!”

According to Bloomberg, Soros’ Democracy PAC has given $10 million to Future Forward PAC and $5.6 million to American Bridge this election cycle.

Jonathan Gray in a suit, wearing glasses and slightly smiling.

Simon Dawson—Bloomberg/Getty Images

Jonathan Gray – President, Blackstone
He may have been considered for Trump’s Treasury Secretary in 2016, but Gray is a major Democratic donor. He supported Hillary Clinton in 2016, donated to multiple Democratic candidates in 2020 and hosted an event for Biden before he dropped out this year.

Despite being known as a Swiftie, Gray announced his support earlier than Swift, reportedly donating to the Harris campaign shortly after she became the presumptive nominee.

Marc Lasry sits at a desk in a gray sweater with a white suit collar layered underneath. He is smiling looking directly at the camera.

John Lamparski—Getty Images

Marc Lasry – Co-founder, Avenue Capital Group
Earlier this year a person familiar confirmed to Bloomberg that Lasry would be supporting Harris. Lasry reportedly hosted an event for Harris at his New York apartment during the 2020 presidential election cycle and as of July was considering holding another for 2024.

Mark Cuban stands at a podium smiling. He holds a mic with one hand and is pointing off-stage with the other.

Tom Pennington—Getty Images

Mark Cuban – Entrepreneur; Former Principal Owner, Dallas Mavericks
Entrepreneur and Shark Tank star Mark Cuban has been very open about his support of Harris on social media, even debating billionaire Trump supporter Elon Musk online

Cuban’s public support has been so strong, some even speculated earlier this summer that Harris might pick Cuban for vice president. He later praised Harris for selecting Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate.

Melinda French Gates is seen on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert, where she endorsed Kamala Harris.

Scott Kowalchyk—CBS/Getty Images

Melinda French Gates – Co-founder, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Gates is known for her philanthropy as well as her support of Democratic causes, and was quick to support Harris’s bid for president.

“I feel like Kamala, I was happy to endorse,” French Gates told Stephen Colbert on The Late Show in July. “I’ve worked with her before, she knows what we need in society and she’s using her voice against those issues already on the campaign trail, and I knew she would.”

<a href="https://fortune.com/company/netflix/" target="_blank">Netflix</a> founder and Co-CEO Reed Hastings speaks at an event. He is mid-speech wearing a business suit and light purple business shirt.

Michael M. Santiago—Getty Images

Reed Hastings – Co-founder and former CEO, Netflix
The billionaire quickly cut a $7 million check to a super PAC supporting the Harris campaign this year, enthusiastically backing the Democratic nominee after calling for Biden to drop out. 

Hastings said earlier in the summer that the U.S. needed “a vigorous Democratic leader to beat Trump and keep us safe and prosperous” and Biden should “step aside.”

Reid Hoffman, co-founder of <a href="https://fortune.com/company/linkedin/" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a> Corp., walks to the morning session during the Allen & Co. Media and Technology Conference.

David Paul Morris—Bloomberg/Getty Images

Reid Hoffman – Co-founder, LinkedIn; Venture Capitalist
Tech billionaire Reid Hoffman signed onto a letter with fellow venture capitalists, including Cuban, declaring their support for Harris’ White House bid.

That letter called Harris’ election, “the best way to support the continued strength, security and reliability of our democracy and economy.”

Ron Conway poses with will.i.am. at an event.

Jerod Harris—Getty Images for i.am.angel Foundation

Ron Conway Founder, SV Angel
Conway, a Silicon Valley  “super angel” and philanthropist, signed the same VCs for Kamala letter as Hoffman and Cuban. 

He wrote on X that the tech industry must come together to, “defeat Donald Trump and save our democracy.” He also wrote: “I have known Kamala for decades, and she’s been a fighter, a leader, and an advocate for the tech ecosystem.”

Sheryl Sandberg, chief operating officer of <a href="https://fortune.com/company/facebook/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> Inc., smiles during a Bloomberg Television interview at the company's headquarters.

David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Sheryl Sandberg – Former COO, Facebook (Meta)
Sandberg has repeatedly spoken out in support of Harris following her entry to the race. In an Instagram post, Sanberg said she was “thrilled” to back Harris. 

“She will defend women’s rights — and all Americans’ rights — from the Oval Office with a determined, compassionate focus,” Sandberg said.

Vinod Khosla, Founder, Khosla Ventures, smiles at an event. He is wearing a mic and dark suit.

Photo By Vaughn Ridley/Sportsfile for Collision via Getty Images

Vinod Khosla – Founder, Khosla Ventures; Co-founder, Sun Microsystems
Khosla, a Silicon Valley billionaire, spent over $3 million in 2020 campaigning against Trump and is supporting the Democratic nominee again this year.

Khosla joined the list of over 850 venture capitalists supporting Harris, the same list signed by Cuban, Hoffman, and Conway. 

Taylor Swift poses with her awards backstage during the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards

Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for MTV

Taylor Swift – Award-winning singer/songwriter 
Swift endorsed Harris after the debate, calling out the use of AI earlier in the election cycle to share a fake video of Swift supporting Trump. 

“Recently I was made aware that AI of ‘me’ falsely endorsing Donald Trump’s presidential run was posted to his site. It really conjured up my fears around AI, and the dangers of spreading misinformation,” Swift wrote in an Instagram post announcing her vote. “It brought me to the conclusion that I need to be very transparent about my actual plans for this election as a voter.

Billionaires who have backed Donald Trump

Bill Ackman is seen in formal attire at a microphone mid-speech.

Photo by Sylvain Gaboury/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

Bill Ackman – CEO and Founder, Pershing Square Capital
Billionaire hedge fund manager Ackman announced on X that he would be endorsing Trump for president in 2024, writing he hasn’t “lost it” but made the decision “rationally.”

“I assure you that I have made this decision carefully, rationally, and by relying on as much empirical data as possible,” he said at the time. 

Douglas Leone is seen walking outside of a conference.

Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Douglas Leone – Former Managing Partner, Sequoia Capital
Leone cited immigration and the growing deficit as key reasons he would be supporting Trump this fall.

In a tweet from June, Leone said he’d grown “increasingly concerned” about these issues and would be casting his ballot for the former president. He previously donated to Trump’s 2020 campaign but distanced himself after the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Elon Musk poses for a photo, standing in all black and smiling.

Jared Siskin—Patrick McMullan/Getty Images

Elon Musk – CEO, Tesla and X (formerly Twitter)
Musk officially endorsed Trump in July after an attempted assassination on the former president, sharing his support on X.

“I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery,” Musk posted at the time, adding later the same day: “Last time America had a candidate this tough was Theodore Roosevelt.”

He has remained an outspoken supporter of Trump’s campaign, with his America PAC recently launching a series of ads in September warning that “Kamala and the crazies,” will win if you don’t get out to vote.

Anne Palmer (R) and Geoff Palmer attend the LACMA 50th Anniversary Gala.

Geoffrey Palmer – Real Estate Magnate
Real estate billionaire Geoffrey Palmer has reportedly donated more than $3 million to PACs affiliated with the Trump campaign this year. He’s been major Republican financial supporter for years. 

The Beverly Hills resident supported Trump in 2016, threw $500,000 at Mitt Romney’s 2012 campaign and has donated to multiple Republican campaigns and committees.

Harold Hamm, CEO of <a href="https://fortune.com/company/continental-resources/" target="_blank">Continental Resources</a> Shale Oil Company, delivers a speech at the RNC.

Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images

Harold Hamm – Founder, Continental Resources
The billionaire Oklahoma oil tycoon has long brought in millions for Trump’s campaigns as well as past GOP candidates. Hamm was even an energy adviser to Romney ahead of 2012. 

This election cycle, Hamm has donated again to Trump and appeared at his events, helping to rally the oil industry behind the campaign. 

: President-elect Donald Trump meets with chief-of-staff designate Reince Priebus, left, and Isaac "Ike" Perlmutter, CEO of Marvel Entertainment, center, during transition meetings at  Mar-a-Lago in 2016.

Photo by Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Isaac Perlmutter – Former Chairman and CEO, Marvel Entertainment
It’s no surprise that Perlmutter, who advised Trump’s administration, said he’d be shelling out money for the former president’s 2024 campaign this year. According to OpenSecrets, he’s donated $10 million toward the election cycle. 

The billionaire, famous for reviving Marvel comics and selling it to Disney, also donated to Trump in 2020

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 23: Former CEO and former chairman of <a href="https://fortune.com/company/td-ameritrade-holding/" target="_blank">TD Ameritrade</a> Joe Ricketts looks on as his son Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-NE) participates in a ceremonial swearing-in in the Old Senate Chamber at the U.S. Capitol January 23, 2023 in Washington, DC. Ricketts will fill the old seat of Sen. Ben Sasse, who left the Senate to serve as President of the University of Florida.

Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images

J. Joe Ricketts – Chairman, TD Ameritrade
According to Business Insider, Ricketts and his wife gave more than $20 million to GOP causes in 2020, and are again supporting the party in 2024.

In fact, Ricketts’ son is in politics himself. Former Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts was appointed to the U.S. Senate after former Sen. Ben Sasse opted to retire and is expected to be elected to finish the term.

Margo Catsimatidis and John Catsimatidis attend the New York City Police Foundation 2018 Gala.

Photo by Sylvain Gaboury/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

John Catsimatidis – Owner, Red Apple Group
Catsimatidis, the head of the real estate group Red Apple and a radio talk show host, has a long history with Trump and has backed him financially in the past. 

In an appearance on NPR earlier this year, Catsimatidis argued that Trump is the better candidate for businesses in the U.S. and defended his legacy. He’s been active this election cycle rallying CEOs to support Trump’s campaign. 

John Paulson on set of "The Claman Countdown" at Fox Business Network Studios

Photo by Rob Kim/Getty Images

John Paulson – Hedge Fund Manager
Paulson has been an outspoken Trump supporter leading up to the 2024 election, and is a GOP megadonor. He’s been especially critical of Harris’ capital gains tax and other economic proposals.

“If they do implement a 25 percent tax on unrealized gains, that would cause mass selling of almost everything — stocks, bonds, homes, art. I think it would cause a crash in the markets and a pretty quick recession,” Paulson predicted recently. 

Kelcy Warren, chairman and chief executive officer of <a href="https://fortune.com/company/energy-transfer-equity/" target="_blank">Energy Transfer</a> Partners LP speaks at a conference. He wears a mic and is gesturing with his right hand.

Aaron M. Sprecher/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Kelcy Warren – Founder, Energy Transfer
According to Politico, the pipeline mogul has donated $5 million this election cycle to elect former President Trump. He joined a number of oil industry billionaires who have come out in force to support Trump’s campaign, falling into Trump’s top 10 donors, according to OpenSecrets.

Linda McMahon, former administrator of the US Small Business Administration, during the Republican National Convention. She wears a light purple outfit and is behind the podium and mic.

Hannah Beier/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Linda McMahon – Co-founder, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)
McMahon has praised Trump as a “job creator” and appeared at the Republican National Convention (RNC) this summer to endorse and support Trump’s bid for the White House. 

Formerly Trump’s Small Business Administration leader, McMahon donated in 2016 to his first campaign. She has a relationship with Trump going back to 2007, when he appeared on WWE’s flagship event WrestleMania.  

Elizabeth Uihlein (L) and Jacob Peters arrive for the State Dinner at The White House honoring Australian PM Morrison on September 20, 2019 in Washington, DC.

Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images

Liz Uihlein – Co-founder, Uline
After initially supporting Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, the Uihlein family reportedly said they would be donating to Trump’s election bid in March. The megadonors are known for supporting campaigns and causes aligned with conservative values, and backed Trump in the two previous elections, before initially turning to DeSantis for 2024.

Uline Inc. is the number two donor to Trump’s campaign, reportedly shelling out more than $10 million toward his reelection. 

US President Donald Trump awards the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Doctor Miriam Adelson at the White House in Washington, DC, on November 16, 2018.

SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images

Miriam Adelson – Casino Billionaire and Republican Megadonor
Predictably, Miriam Adelson, who previously shelled out $500,000 for Trump’s legal fees, is supporting the former president again in 2024. 

The Adelson Clinic for Drug Abuse Treatment & Research has reportedly donated $5 million to the Trump campaign this election cycle. She is a longtime Trump ally and was awarded the presidential medal of freedom in 2018.

Developer Donald Trump and developer Phil G. Ruffin attends The Trump Las Vegas ribbon cutting at The Trump International Hotel & Tower Las Vegas on April 11, 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Photo by Denise Truscello/WireImage

Phil Ruffin – Casino Magnate
Ruffin has been described as one of Trump’s “closest friends” and is a co-owner of the Trump International Las Vegas hotel.

Ruffin donated to Trump’s 2016 and 2020 presidential campaigns as well as his 2024 bid, reportedly giving more than $800,000 this year.  

Stephen A. Schwarzman speaks at 2024 Arthur Ross Awards at The University Club on May 13, 2024 in New York City.

Photo by Michael Ostuni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

Stephen Schwarzman – CEO, Blackstone
Schwarzman, who supported Trump in the 2016 election and became a trusted adviser in his office, is again supporting Trump in 2024 despite hoping for fresh blood from the GOP earlier in the cycle. 

He called a vote for Trump a “vote for change” when announcing in May that he would vote for the Republican candidate this fall. 

Donald Trump, Heidi Klum and Steve Wynn during The Associates Committee of The Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Host

Photo by Carley Margolis/FilmMagic

Steve Wynn – Former Casino Mogul
Wynn, a longtime Trump ally, supported the former president in 2016 and 2020 and is again voting for Trump in 2024. Wynn reportedly donated more than $800,000 to be a co-chair at a Palm Beach fundraiser hosted by Paulson earlier this year.

The fundraiser, which was also attended by Hamm and Johnson, benefitted the Trump 47 Committee.

Tim Dunn is seen at a 2015 National Network for Safe Communities conference.

From National Network for Safe Communities

Timothy Dunn – Texas Oil Businessman
Texas billionaire Tim Dunn is another oil industry tycoon who has thrown his support behind Trump. According to Politico, Dunn has spent more than $30 million advancing conservative issues in his home state alone, and cut a $5 million check toward Trump’s election. 

The grandfather of Tim Mellon, Andrew Mellon.
It’s hard to find photos of the reclusive billionaire Tim Mellon, but he comes from a long line of rail money starting with Andrew Mellon (pictured).

Andrew Mellon pictured –Photo by Keystone/Getty Images

Timothy Mellon – Republican Mega-donor
Mellon, heir to the Mellon Bank fortune, was a top 2020 donor to Trump and, unsurprisingly, he’s backing the GOP candidate again this time around. 

In July, the “reclusive” megadonor donated $50 million to a pro-Trump super PAC, according to Politico. It’s hard to find photos of the billionaire, so we’ve opted for a photo of his grandfather Andrew Mellon, a former U.S. Treasury Secretary. According to a report by the BBC, Mellon typically donates to Republicans but has occasionally contributed to Democrats, including New York progressive Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s 2018 campaign.

Owner Woody Johnson of the New York Jets walks on the field prior to an NFL football game. He's wearing a hat and sunglasse.

Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images

Woody Johnson – Heir, Johnson & Johnson; Co-owner, New York Jets
Johnson, who served as ambassador to the United Kingdom from 2017 to 2021 and is a longtime friend to Trump, threw his support and finances behind the campaign this year. 

“Americans remember how good it was or how much better it was on the border, and inflation, and gas prices, and grocery prices, all that, during the Trump administration, and they want to get back there,” Johnson said in a Fox News appearance in early 2024. “So I think the most important thing is getting the former president back in the White House, which looks like it’s happening.”

This list will be regularly updated with newly announced billionaire support. Check back to see updates to this list leading up to the 2024 election.


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