Donald Trump just got a huge boost of $100 million dollars (or more) from one donor. Sheldon Adelson has decided to help finance Trump’s presidential run against Hillary Clinton, committing $100 million dollars to be given to PACs supporting Trump. Adelson is a billionaire casino owner from Las Vegas who shelled out huge bucks on Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney in 2012. Trump met with Adelson last week and evidently, Adelson liked what he heard. Previously, Bush, Cruz and Rubio all met with Adelson early in the campaign, but only Cruz was able to pry any money out of him.
Mr. Adelson, 82, the chief executive of Las Vegas Sands, is among the world’s wealthiest individuals and has given hundreds of millions of dollars to Republican candidates and causes over the years. In 2012, he contributed at least $98 million to Republican efforts, according to a study by ProPublica. But that money went to 34 separate campaigns and groups.
Mr. Adelson is frustrated by congressional gridlock and believes the only way to affect the country’s political system is to ensure a Republican president is elected, say the Republicans familiar with his thinking.
While he may help some local or gubernatorial candidates, he is not planning to give much to congressional candidates or super PACs dedicated to keeping Republican control of the House and Senate, a substantial blow given the largess he has showered on them in recent elections.
Adelson has not been happy with congressional republicans who have a tendency to fold like a cheap road map every time Obama or the democrats demand money for social engineering and redistribution.
Trump had previously criticized Adelson but has since been forgiven. Adelson said:
“He is a candidate with actual CEO experience, shaped and molded by the commitment and risk of his own money rather than the public’s, has created a movement in this country that cannot be denied.”