As Donald Trump prepares for another bid for the presidency, he’s receiving a significant financial boost from a familiar ally: Miriam Adelson1. The widow of the late casino tycoon Sheldon Adelson is reportedly planning to pour up to $90 million into a Trump-supporting Super PAC, Preserve America. This move could be a game-changer for Trump's campaign, narrowing the fundraising gap with Joe Biden and solidifying Adelson's role as a key power player in conservative politics.
In the 2020 election cycle, the Adelsons were the largest conservative donors, contributing over $218 million to various campaigns.2 Their financial influence was instrumental in shaping political priorities and policy decisions. Now, Miriam Adelson’s renewed commitment suggests an even greater financial involvement, potentially surpassing previous contributions and setting new records for political spending.
The relationship between Trump and the Adelsons exemplifies the transactional nature of modern American politics. In exchange for their substantial donations, Trump delivered a series of high-stakes political favors to Sheldon Adelson, benefiting his business empire and personal interests.
Here’s a closer look at what Sheldon Adelson received in return for his financial support:
- A corruption case in China was resolved in his favor with a minimal fine.3
- The repatriation tax for his overseas earnings was significantly lowered, allowing billions to flow back at a reduced rate.4
- Estate and corporate taxes were cut, providing substantial financial relief5.
- The U.S. Embassy in Israel was moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, fulfilling a key priority for Adelson.6
- Miriam Adelson was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.7
These actions highlight the substantial returns on investment for mega-donors and underscore their influence over policy decisions.
Miriam Adelson’s continued support for Trump, alongside backing from other billionaires like hedge fund manager Bill Ackman and Blackstone CEO Steve Schwarzman, suggests a coordinated effort to ensure Trump’s political resurgence. This coalition is expected to push for an establishment vice presidential candidate, aiming to balance Trump’s polarizing presence with mainstream appeal.
What’s striking is the reluctance of Biden and the Democratic Party to leverage these financial entanglements as a point of criticism. Despite the clear narrative of corruption, Democrats remain silent, likely due to their own reliance on wealthy donors. This mutual dependence on big money creates a political landscape where accountability is elusive, and true reform seems distant.
Forbes: Miriam Adelson & family: [https://www.forbes.com/profile/miriam-adelson/?sh=5adcb1d19c40]
OpenSecrets: Top Contributors, federal election data for Donald Trump, 2020 cycle: [https://www.opensecrets.org/2020-presidential-race/donald-trump/contributors?id=N00023864]
Fortune: GOP Donor Sheldon Adelson’s Company to Pay $9 million in Bribery Case: [https://fortune.com/2016/04/07/sheldon-adelson-sec-bribery/]
The Center for American Progress: The TCJA 2 Years Later: Corporations, Not Workers, Are the Big Winners:[https://www.americanprogress.org/article/tcja-2-years-later-corporations-not-workers-big-winners/]
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities: The 2017 Trump Tax Law Was Skewed to the Rich, Expensive, and Failed to Deliver on Its Promises: [https://www.cbpp.org/research/federal-tax/the-2017-trump-tax-law-was-skewed-to-the-rich-expensive-and-failed-to-deliver]
The Guardian: Sheldon Adelson: the casino mogul driving Trump's Middle East policy: [https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jun/08/sheldon-adelson-trump-middle-east-policy]
Trump White House Archive - National Archives: https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/medaloffreedom/#:~:text=MIRIAM%20ADELSON.,committed%20to%20fighting%20substance%20abuse.
The Democrats say nothing, because they rely upon the same kinds of support - and the exact same supporters, in many cases.
Both halves of the DC monoparty, are ardently Zionist.
I find right-wing women especially disheartening….