Billionaires Back Kamala Harris Over Donald Trump: Who’s Supporting Whom in 2024
As the 2024 U.S. presidential election intensifies, the support of ultra-wealthy donors has become a significant talking point. Billionaires, known for their political influence, are taking sides—either aligning with Vice President Kamala Harris or backing former President Donald Trump. While many of these billionaires are making their preferences public, others remain neutral, at least for now, with their financial contributions likely to be disclosed after the election in Federal Election Commission reports.
Why Billionaires Lean Toward Harris
Despite her critiques of wealth concentration, Kamala Harris has attracted support from 76 billionaires. Many back her not only for ideological reasons but because of her reputation for pragmatic, predictable policies. Silicon Valley insiders, who have known her since her time as California’s prosecutor, believe her leadership would foster stability in sectors like tech, healthcare, and sustainability.
Notable supporters of Harris include:
- Michael Bloomberg (Bloomberg LP)
- Reid Hoffman (LinkedIn)
- Steven Spielberg (Director)
- Tory Burch (Fashion Designer)
- Laurene Powell Jobs (Apple, Philanthropist)
High-profile figures like Mark Cuban and Magic Johnson have even signed letters publicly endorsing her, highlighting her appeal among diverse circles.
Trump’s Loyal Billionaire Backers
Donald Trump’s image as a champion of both the ultra-wealthy and the working class has garnered him the backing of 49 billionaires. Some of his financial supporters come from industries like hospitality, real estate, and entertainment.
Prominent Trump donors include:
- Miriam Adelson (Las Vegas Sands)
- Diane Hendricks (ABC Supply)
- Steve Wynn (Wynn Resorts)
- Tilman Fertitta (Houston Rockets)
- Elon Musk (Tesla, SpaceX)
Musk has taken his support further by attending rallies and encouraging political activism through his own networks, adding considerable weight to Trump’s campaign.
The Billionaires on the Fence
While many billionaires are now aligned with Harris or Trump, several have chosen not to take sides just yet. Figures like Warren Buffett and Mark Zuckerberg remain notably silent. Others, such as Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates, have made ambiguous remarks without formally endorsing a candidate.
Even billionaires with a history of supporting Republican causes, such as Larry Ellison and Ken Griffin, have yet to announce their stance in this election cycle. Their silence has led to intense speculation about whether they will make any late contributions before Election Day.
What’s at Stake?
With each passing day, more high-profile endorsements could tip the scales in favor of either candidate. Harris’s campaign emphasizes sustainable growth and stability, appealing to the tech and healthcare sectors. Meanwhile, Trump leans on his populist appeal and the support of industries that thrived under his previous administration.
The influence of these billionaires will likely extend beyond financial donations, as their public endorsements can sway voter sentiment and shape media narratives. As Election Day approaches, it remains to be seen which billionaires will come off the fence—and how their decisions will impact the race.
Reference From - www.ndtv.com