Who are the billionaires and business leaders likely to influence a second Trump presidency?
On the verge of winning a second term, Elon Musk, the wealthiest individual globally, has forged a notable alliance with Donald Trump.
Musk participated in Trump rallies and made headline-grabbing $1 million giveaways to voters in key states to boost support for Trump. The former president even publicly offered Musk a significant role in his upcoming administration.
Several other billionaires and business magnates have also pledged their backing to Trump. Some may be contenders for cabinet positions, while others could hold sway privately.
Who might these influential figures be?
Peter Thiel
Peter Thiel has fluctuated in his support for Trump but remains a strong supporter of Vice President-elect JD Vance.
Thiel gained his wealth as an early investor in PayPal and Facebook and is a longstanding donor to Republican causes, having contributed over $49 million since 2000, according to YSL News. A self-identified libertarian, Thiel has made headlines for his controversial views and connections with far-right figures.
Vance previously worked at Thiel’s venture capital firm in Silicon Valley, where Thiel played a crucial role in Vance’s Senate victory, setting the stage for Vance’s nomination as Trump’s running mate.
Linda McMahon
Linda McMahon was instrumental in creating the World Wrestling Entertainment empire along with her husband, Vince McMahon.
She served as head of the U.S. Small Business Administration from 2017 to 2019 during Trump’s first term.
At the 2024 Republican National Convention, McMahon was seen close to Trump and co-leads his transition team. Politico lists her as a potential candidate for the role of Commerce Secretary.
Howard Lutnick
Howard Lutnick serves as the chairman and CEO of the financial services firm Cantor Fitzgerald. He is a significant donor to Trump and co-chairs the Trump 2024 transition team alongside Linda McMahon.
According to Politico, Lutnick maintains a close relationship with Trump and even featured on “The Apprentice,” Trump’s reality TV show. He is seen as a potential candidate for Treasury Secretary.
Vivek Ramaswamy
Vivek Ramaswamy, a biotech billionaire and former 2024 Republican presidential candidate, was once a potential choice for vice president under Trump.
While he wasn’t selected as vice president, Ramaswamy has suggested he could take on other roles in a Trump administration, possibly as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, overseeing immigration. His background includes being born in Ohio to Indian immigrants.
Similar to many who seek Trump’s endorsement, Ramaswamy has strategically balanced his praise and criticism of the president-elect, according to YSL News.
Miriam Adelson
A prominent figure in both the medical and business worlds, Miriam Adelson is the majority owner of the Las Vegas Sands casino corporation and the Dallas Mavericks basketball franchise, according to Forbes.
She ranks among Trump’s top financial backers, donating $100 million to the political action committee Preserve America, aimed at supporting his election, as detailed by OpenSecrets.org.
Adelson wields substantial influence due to her wealth and her strong allegiance to Israel, her birthplace, as reported by YSL News. Forbes estimates her family’s fortune at a staggering $34.2 billion.
Bill Ackman
Bill Ackman is an influential hedge fund manager who has recently chosen to back Trump for president, despite earlier reservations. He even outlined 33 reasons for this endorsement, according to Reuters.
As election results began to surface, Ackman expressed his excitement on X, predicting Trump’s victory and the “collapse of the Democratic Party,” while criticizing mainstream media’s coverage. He had previously anticipated Trump’s win.
Diane Hendricks
Billionaire Diane Hendricks addressed attendees at the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, reflecting on her experiences growing up as one of nine sisters and her journey as a single mother pursuing the American dream.
The Wisconsin businesswoman is recognized as the 92nd richest individual globally, as per Forbes. She co-founded ABC Supply, a leading distributor of roofing materials, siding, and windows.
With an estimated net worth of $20.9 billion, Hendricks has topped Forbes’ list of the wealthiest self-made women in America for the last seven years, according to YSL News.
Marc Andreessen
Marc Andreessen, a venture capitalist from Silicon Valley, has alternated his support between Democrats and Republicans over the years. Yet in 2024, he has publicly supported Trump.
Andreessen’s backing for Trump, as reported by TechCrunch, stems from his belief that Trump’s policies would positively affect the tech sector. He criticizes the Biden administration for overregulating the tech industry, which he feels stifles innovation and startup growth. Andreessen argues that Trump would foster a more favorable environment for tech advancements.
The shift in support from Andreessen and others in Silicon Valley, traditionally a Democratic bastion, marks a notable change in the political landscape.
Timothy Mellon
Timothy Mellon, an heir to the renowned Mellon family fortune, has been a longstanding supporter of Donald Trump, pouring at least $115 million into his political efforts over the years, according to Reuters. Mellon also supported Trump’s 2020 campaign.
He has invested in various anti-immigration initiatives and played a prominent role in a Texas-led fund aimed at constructing a wall along the southern border with Mexico, reflecting shared concerns with Trump.
Forbes estimates the Mellon family wealth at $14.1 billion. Timothy Mellon resides in Wyoming and maintains a low public profile, rarely photographed, according to Reuters.
John Paulson
John Paulson is a billionaire hedge-fund manager who has been supporting Trump since 2016 and endorsed him again for 2024, as reported by Politico.
Bloomberg has revealed that Trump has considered Paulson for the role of Treasury secretary in private discussions.
Paulson has long advocated for tax reductions and less regulation, according to Reuters. He has also supported tariffs aimed at protecting national security and combating unfair trade practices, which aligns with Trump’s views.
In April, Paulson hosted a fundraiser for Trump at his residence in Palm Beach.
Scott Bessent
Scott Bessent, a hedge fund manager, was one of the co-hosts of the April fundraising event for Trump.
Reports from Politico indicate that Bessent has acted as an unofficial advisor to the Trump campaign and may be considered for a cabinet position, potentially Treasury.
According to Reuters, Bessent enjoys a close relationship with Trump and has spoken favorably about the president-elect’s economic strategies.
Woody Johnson
Robert Wood Johnson IV, the billionaire who owns the New York Jets, previously served as the ambassador to the UK during Trump’s first term.
According to the New York Post, those within the Jets organization think Johnson might take up that role again if Trump wins a second term.