A group of affluent supporters has emerged as key backers of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, contributing over $50 million to his campaign against Democratic incumbent Joe Biden. As small donations dwindle and some traditional Republican donors pull away, these super-rich benefactors are playing a vital role in funding Trump’s campaign.
According to a Reuters analysis of Federal Election Commission data, the top five major donors to Trump include the 81-year-old heir to the Mellon banking family, who has given at least $16.5 million to the pro-Trump Super PAC MAGA Inc. since 2022. Another significant donor is former Marvel Entertainment chairman Isaac “Ike” Perlmutter and his wife Laura, who have contributed over $10 million to a new Trump Super PAC called Right for America.
Linda McMahon, former head of the Small Business Administration in the Trump administration, has donated more than $10 million to MAGA Inc., while the 79-year-old hotel magnate from Nevada, Bigelow, has also contributed over $9 million to Trump’s campaign. The major donor of Scientology Church, Patricia Duggan, has donated over $5 million this election cycle.
These wealthy contributors play a critical role in financing Trump’s campaign by providing much-needed financial support in an environment where traditional donors may be less inclined to contribute. Their contributions highlight the importance of big donors in American politics and their role in shaping election outcomes.
