As the 2024 U.S. presidential election heats up, former President Donald Trump continues to garner support from a range of prominent American business leaders. These business leaders cite various reasons for their support, including Trump’s stance on economic policies, regulatory reform, free speech, and his business-oriented approach to governance. Their backing provides Trump with significant financial resources and influential voices within the business community as he seeks to return to the White House in 2024.
Here’s a look at twelve key business leaders who are rallying behind Trump in this election cycle:
1. Elon Musk (Tesla, X, SpaceX)
I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery pic.twitter.com/ZdxkF63EqF
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 13, 2024
Elon Musk, the high-profile CEO of Tesla, X (formerly Twitter), and SpaceX, has been a controversial but vocal supporter of Donald Trump. Musk’s support is driven by his views on free speech, deregulation and economic policies that align with his philosophies in the tech and space industries. Musk’s companies, particularly Tesla and SpaceX, have benefited from contracts and policies from the Democratic party, making his political support of Trump particularly noteworthy. His backing provides the former president with a substantial boost in terms of influence and media attention, along with considerable financial backing. In fact, rumors initially circulated that the American tech mogul would be donating an astronomical $45 million per month to the Trump campaign, not bad for one of the richest people in the world.
2. Peter Thiel (Palantir)
Peter Thiel confirms Trump’s win has to be massive or Kamala Harris will ‘fortify’ it – he’s not wrong. pic.twitter.com/607dkipyKi
— @amuse (@amuse) September 14, 2024
A co-founder of PayPal and data analytics firm Palantir, Thiel has been a long-time supporter of Trump. He was one of the few Silicon Valley leaders to openly back Trump in 2016 and has continued his support. Thiel’s backing is particularly significant given his influence in the tech industry and his reputation as a contrarian thinker. His support for Trump aligns with his libertarian views and criticism of what he sees as overregulation in the tech sector.
3. Steve Schwarzman (Blackstone)
Blackstone CEO Steve Schwarzman Endorses President Trump, Says Nation Going “In Wrong Direction” Under Biden https://t.co/Rm5tiP4af7 pic.twitter.com/F8bBlumgBk
— the bald libertarian (@freedombunkr) May 25, 2024
Steve Schwarzman, the chairman and CEO of Blackstone, a leading global investment firm, has lent his support to Trump, reflecting his interests in favorable economic policies and tax reforms. Schwarzman’s backing is indicative of the strong ties between high finance and political influence.
4. Ben Horowitz (Andreessen Horowitz)
Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz explain why they support Trump.
As one of the larger tech venture capital firms, many more offices have followed their lead.
Their decision, as they tell it; will lose them friends and damage family relations.https://t.co/tXVXYxbHpk
— Mr. Zou (@SolidCzar) September 6, 2024
Ben Horowitz, co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz, a prominent venture capital firm, has also shown support for Trump. His endorsement highlights a focus on entrepreneurship and innovation, areas where Trump’s policies have been seen as beneficial by leaders in the tech industry. n. As a respected figure in Silicon Valley, Horowitz’s support is based on his belief that Trump’s policies foster innovation and entrepreneurship, key factors for the venture capital ecosystem.
5. Miriam Adelson (Las Vegas Sands)
Miriam Adelson, a key figure in the Las Vegas Sands empire has been a significant financial supporter of Trump. The widow of casino magnate Sheldon Adelson has continued her late husband’s tradition of supporting Republican candidates, including Trump. Her backing reflects the interests of the gaming and hospitality industries, which have often aligned with Trump’s economic agendas. If Trump returns to office in 2024, could Texas finally legalize sports betting? It would make for some impressive timing considering Adelson recently bought a majority stake in the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks.
6. Harold Hamm (Continental Resources)
Harold Hamm, the founder of Continental Resources, is a notable supporter of Trump, particularly due to Trump’s favorable stance on the oil and gas industry. Hamm’s backing is particularly significant in the context of energy and environmental policies. He has praised Trump’s approach to domestic energy production and deregulation in the fossil fuel industry. Hamm’s support reflects the interests of the traditional energy sector in maintaining favorable policies.
7. Nelson Peltz (Trian Partners)
Nelson Peltz, the founder of Trian Partners, has backed Trump, driven by his interests in corporate governance and economic reform. Peltz’s support is reflective of a desire for policies that he believes will benefit corporate America and shareholders, including Trump’s proposed 15% corporate tax rate. Peltz’s endorsement carries weight in the investment community, representing an important segment of Wall Street that favors Trump’s economic approach.
8. Robert Bigelow (Budget Suites of America)
Robert Bigelow, founder of Budget Suites of America, has also expressed support for Trump. His backing aligns with his interests in real estate and hospitality, sectors that have seen various policy changes under Trump that Bigelow views favorably. The hotel chain founder and space entrepreneur has been a significant financial backer of Trump’s campaign. However, Bigelow’s support is notable not just for its financial aspect but also because of his interests in space exploration, which align with Trump’s emphasis on space initiatives during his previous term. Bigelow’s backing represents a intersection of hospitality industry interests and private space exploration ambitions.
9. Bernard Marcus (Home Depot)
The co-founder of Home Depot has been a long-time supporter of Trump, praising his business acumen and economic policies. Marcus’s support is significant given his status as a retail industry pioneer. He has been particularly vocal about Trump’s tax policies and approach to business regulations, arguing they benefit both large corporations and small businesses.
10. Linda McMahon (WWE)
The former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment and former head of the Small Business Administration under Trump has maintained her support for the former president. McMahon’s backing is unique due to her experience both in the private sector and in Trump’s administration. Her support lends credibility to Trump’s claims of understanding and supporting small businesses. McMahon’s endorsement also carries weight in the entertainment industry circles.
11. Winklevoss Twins (Winklevoss Capital Management)
Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, known for their early involvement with Facebook and later for their cryptocurrency ventures, have voiced support for Trump’s approach to financial regulations. Their backing is particularly noteworthy in the context of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, areas where regulatory approach is still evolving. The twins’ support for Trump often centers around expectations of a crypto-friendly regulatory environment under his leadership.
12. Charles Kushner (Kushner Companies)
The real estate developer and father of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner has been a consistent supporter of Trump’s political career. Kushner’s support is significant not just for its financial aspect but also due to the family connection. His backing represents a continued alignment of certain real estate industry interests with Trump’s policies.