2024 Election Showdown: Kamala Harris and Donald Trump Secure Major Celebrity and Billionaire Endorsements Amidst Stark Fundraising Divide
As the 2024 United States presidential election approaches, candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have garnered significant endorsements from both celebrities and billionaires, shaping the fundraising landscape for their campaigns. The election, set for Tuesday, November 5, 2024, marks the 60th presidential election in U.S. history.
A recent analysis by Bloomberg, using data from the Federal Election Commission as of September 2023, reveals a stark contrast in fundraising between the two candidates. Donald Trump has raised at least $281 million from billionaire donors, significantly outpacing Kamala Harris, who has secured approximately $66.2 million. This amount includes contributions from supporters of Joe Biden following his campaign suspension.
Trump’s fundraising success is bolstered by major contributions from prominent billionaires. Notably, Elon Musk and Miriam Adelson each donated over $100 million. Other significant donors to Trump include:
– Stephen Schwarzman (Chairman of Blackstone): $419,600
– Thomas Peterffy (Chairman of Interactive Brokers): $844,000
– Jeff Hildebrand (Founder of Hilcorp Energy): $515,000
– Diane Hendricks (Chairman and sole owner of ABC Supply): $15 million
– Bill Ackman (Founder of Pershing Square): $419,000
In contrast, Harris’s top billionaire supporters include:
– Bill Gates (Co-founder of Microsoft): $50 million
– Dustin Moskovitz (Co-founder of Meta Platforms): $38 million
– Eric Schmidt (Former CEO of Alphabet): $1.6 million
– Lukas Walton (Grandson of Walmart founder): $416,000
Harris’s campaign also benefits from the endorsements of several high-profile celebrities. The music industry has rallied behind her with endorsements from stars like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, who featured her song “Freedom” in Harris’s campaign. Other musical supporters include Eminem, Cher, and Lizzo.
In Hollywood, notable endorsements come from actors such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Julia Roberts, and George Clooney, along with influential figures like Octavia Spencer and Mindy Kaling. The sports community also plays a critical role in Harris’s campaign, with endorsements from NBA coach Steve Kerr and players like Steph Curry and LeBron James, as well as legendary athletes like Billie Jean King.
On the other hand, Donald Trump has attracted support from various celebrities, particularly from the film and television sectors. Notable endorsements include actors Jon Voight, Dennis Quaid, and Mel Gibson, along with musicians Kid Rock and Jason Aldean. The sports world has also shown support for Trump, with endorsements from figures such as boxing legend Mike Tyson and former professional wrestler Hulk Hogan.
As both candidates prepare for the upcoming election, the combination of financial backing from billionaires and endorsements from influential celebrities underscores the significance of these factors in shaping the political landscape for the 2024 presidential race.
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