Miriam Adelson, the widow of the late casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, is poised to become a major force in the 2024 presidential election, committing upwards of $90 million to support Donald Trump’s re-election bid. This makes her one of the biggest donors in the race and potentially one of the most powerful private citizens with a say in American foreign policy, particularly regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Key Takeaways
- Miriam Adelson, a fierce supporter of Israel, is expected to spend over $90 million to support Donald Trump, making her one of the biggest individual donors in the 2024 presidential election.
- Her influence extends beyond campaign finances, as she is likely to shape a second Trump administration’s approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict due to her strong pro-Israel stance.
- Dr. Adelson’s support for Trump may exceed her late husband’s, and she is said to be more disciplined and driven by news events than he was.
- She has been less involved in Republican politics than her husband and has been cautious about supporting primary campaigns.
- The Adelsons have a history of using their vast wealth to influence politics, both through direct donations and their media empire, which includes the pro-Netanyahu newspaper Israel Hayom.
While previously operating in the shadow of her husband, who was a major player in Republican politics, Dr. Adelson has emerged as a solo force after his passing in January 2021. She is known for her strong conservative beliefs, particularly her unwavering support of Israel, and has been vocal in her criticism of those who she feels are not sufficiently supportive of the nation.
Her close relationship with Donald Trump is deeply rooted in their shared commitment to Israel. They were both present at the ceremony for the relocation of the US embassy to Jerusalem in 2017, and Dr. Adelson later purchased the ambassador’s residence in Herzliya, making it nearly impossible for a future administration to reverse the move. This action solidified their bond with Trump and illustrated their dedication to the cause of Israel.
Dr. Adelson’s influence extends beyond her financial contributions. Her views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are likely to hold considerable weight in a second Trump administration. While she is known to advocate for a strong pro-Israel stance, she has raised concerns about the potential consequences of establishing a Palestinian state. She views so-called “land for peace” agreements as possibly leading to further conflict and is opposed to territorial concessions.
Her stance on the issue has drawn criticism from some who view her position as inflexible and potentially harmful to peace efforts. However, Dr. Adelson has been consistent in her support for Israel and its security, and her influence on Trump’s approach to the conflict cannot be ignored.
Dr. Adelson’s relationship with Trump goes beyond just policy agreement. The two have cultivated a personal connection, evidenced by their frequent dinners and exchanges of gifts. She appreciates Trump’s unwavering support for Israel and shares his conservative ideology, which solidifies their alliance.
The Adelsons have a history of using their wealth to influence politics. They formed a super PAC, Preserve America, in 2020, contributing over $90 million to support Trump’s re-election campaign. While they initially found Trump’s candidacy unconventional, they recognized his stance on Israel as a valuable asset and became ardent supporters. This pattern is likely to repeat itself in 2024, with Dr. Adelson planning to invest another $100 million in the campaign.
However, Dr. Adelson’s approach differs slightly from her late husband’s in handling their political investments. Some close to her describe her as more strategic and disciplined, noting that while her husband often reveled in the political game, she is more driven by the news and current events. This is evident in her willingness to invest heavily in the campaign early on, whereas the Adelsons were previously known for holding their financial muscle until later in election cycles.
A Legacy of Influence
The Adelsons have established themselves as powerful players in the Republican Party, using their immense fortune to support candidates and causes aligned with their conservative agenda. Sheldon Adelson was particularly known for his involvement in various Republican campaigns, including his $20 million investment in Newt Gingrich’s 2012 presidential run.
Dr. Adelson has now taken up the mantle of political influence, carrying on the legacy of her late husband. She has demonstrated a clear commitment to supporting Trump and his conservative ideology. In doing so, she is not only shaping the future of the Republican Party but also playing a critical role in the 2024 presidential election, with potentially far-reaching consequences for American foreign policy and particularly, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
