All articles tagged with #campaign donations
Elon Musk's political actions in June included a $10 million donation to Republican super PACs and a subsequent call for a third party, reflecting his unpredictable relationship with Trump and shifting political stance amid public disagreements and efforts to reconcile.
Elon Musk donated $5 million each to Republican super PACs supporting House and Senate candidates, becoming the largest individual donor in the first half of 2025, amid a complex relationship with Trump and political ambitions, including discussions of starting a new party.
Contractors involved in building the Alligator Alcatraz migrant detention center in Florida have donated nearly $2 million to Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida GOP, highlighting potential political ties and influence in the state's immigration and infrastructure projects.
Elon Musk donated over $250 million to Donald Trump's election campaign, with significant contributions to America Pac and RBG Pac, according to recent Federal Election Commission filings. Musk's donations, including $75 million in the final weeks before the election, highlight his strong support for Trump. The RBG Pac, controversially named after the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, received $20.5 million from Musk, making him its sole donor. Musk's involvement underscores his commitment to Trump's campaign and his growing alliance with the president-elect.
Billionaire Tim Mellon has become the first donor to give $100 million in disclosed federal contributions for the 2024 election, with $75 million to Donald Trump and $25 million to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Mellon's contributions have significantly boosted Trump's campaign finances, helping him erase Joe Biden's fundraising advantage. This financial support comes as both candidates prepare for a crucial debate in Atlanta, Georgia.
Michael R. Bloomberg, former New York City mayor and Democratic megadonor, has donated nearly $20 million to support President Biden's re-election campaign. Bloomberg contributed $19 million to the super PAC Future Forward and $929,600 to the Biden Victory Fund. Bloomberg, who spent $1 billion on his own failed 2020 presidential bid, was a significant financial supporter of Biden in the 2020 election and continues to back him in 2024.
Senate Democrats have initiated an investigation into former President Donald Trump's alleged offer to oil executives to roll back environmental regulations in exchange for $1 billion in campaign donations. The probe, led by the Senate budget and finance committees, targets petroleum firms whose executives reportedly attended an April dinner where Trump made the proposal. The investigation underscores concerns about potential abuses of power and the influence of big oil on policy decisions.
Don Hankey, chairman of Knight Specialty Insurance, revealed that his firm quickly put together the deal to underwrite Donald Trump’s $175 million bond in New York, with Trump posting all cash as collateral. Hankey, a supporter of Trump's presidential campaigns, stated that his firm would have done it for anyone else and confirmed donations to Trump's campaigns. This isn't the first time Hankey and Trump's businesses were connected, as in 2022, Axos Bank, where Hankey is a leading shareholder, loaned Trump $100 million to refinance the mortgage on Trump Tower.
A federal appeals court has revived corruption charges against former New York Lieutenant Governor Brian A. Benjamin, alleging a plan to funnel $50,000 in state money to a developer in exchange for campaign contributions. The decision reversed a previous ruling and sent the case back for further proceedings, although Benjamin may appeal. The case is now proceeding under uncertainty following the death of the developer who was likely to be the primary witness, and in the wake of a Supreme Court decision narrowing the types of corruption cases federal prosecutors may bring. Benjamin still faces trial on charges related to falsifying campaign donation forms and providing false information during a background check.
Elon Musk stated that he will not be donating to either presidential candidate after meeting with Donald Trump in Florida, and he previously urged Americans to elect a Republican Congress in the 2022 midterm elections to counterbalance Biden's Democrats. Musk also expressed his belief that Biden is encouraging migrants to come to the United States to vote for Democrats, despite non-citizens being ineligible to vote in federal elections.
Elon Musk has declared that he will not be donating to either Donald Trump or Joe Biden's presidential campaigns, following a reported meeting with Trump while the former president sought campaign donations. Despite his vast wealth, Musk has never been a major political donor, and Biden's campaign currently holds a cash advantage over Trump's. With both major parties effectively choosing their nominees, the 2024 election is expected to feature a variety of third-party hopefuls, including vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
California Governor Gavin Newsom is facing backlash over a news report that he pushed for an exception to the state’s new fast-food minimum wage law that benefits a wealthy campaign donor, Panera Bread franchisee Greg Flynn. Newsom's spokesman called the story "absurd" and stated that Panera Bread is not exempt from the law, but the exemption remains unexplained. Republican leaders criticized Newsom, stating that campaign contributions should not influence legislation. The law, which passed in 2023, raised the minimum wage to $20 per hour for most fast-food workers, but exempted restaurants with on-site bakeries. The issue has the potential to damage Newsom's reputation, similar to a previous controversy involving a dinner at the French Laundry during the pandemic.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis faces a critical decision on whether to authorize the expansion of cruise ship operations in Key West, Florida. Activists have been pushing for restrictions on cruise vessels to protect the marine environment and limit the number of passengers. However, the wealthy hotelier who operates Key West's cruise ship port is seeking permission to expand, which would allow bigger ships with more passengers. DeSantis, who has received significant campaign donations from the port's owner, must balance environmental concerns with the economic benefits of the tourism industry. The issue has divided the community, with some arguing that limiting cruise ships would harm businesses, while others emphasize the positive impact on the marine environment during the pandemic. A whistleblower lawsuit has also been filed against the port owner, alleging underpayment of state fees and taxes. The governor's decision is expected in December.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is facing a critical decision on whether to authorize the expansion of cruise ship operations in Key West, Florida. Residents of Key West have been trying to limit the size and number of cruise ships on the island, citing environmental concerns and the need to protect the marine environment. However, the wealthy hotelier who operates the cruise ship port is seeking permission to expand, which would allow bigger ships with more passengers to operate legally. DeSantis, who has received significant campaign donations from the port owner, must weigh environmental concerns against the potential revenue from the tourism industry. The issue has been contentious, with arguments about the impact on local businesses and the health of coral reefs. A decision is expected in December.
Rep. Dean Phillips, a Democratic primary challenger to President Joe Biden, is facing little support from past donors in his home state of Minnesota. Some donors have asked for their contributions to be returned, while others have decided not to support Phillips' presidential campaign. Phillips, who announced his bid in late October, currently has only 4% support among potential Democratic primary voters. He will need to raise millions of dollars to compete against an incumbent president and may have to seek donations outside of Minnesota.