$50 Million Surprise Boost to Pro-Trump PAC Alters Election Landscape

A reclusive megadonor has drastically altered the landscape of the 2024 election with a $50 million infusion into a pro-Trump super PAC.

At a Glance

Timothy Mellon gave $50 million to a pro-Trump super PAC in July.
Mellon has donated $115 million to MAGA Inc. since the start of 2023.
Mellon is the largest donor to super PACs backing Trump’s candidacy this cycle.
Mellon previously donated to a super PAC supporting Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
This donation accounted for over 90% of MAGA Inc.’s fundraising in July.

Reclusive Donor Shakes Up Election Dynamics

Timothy Mellon, a Republican megadonor, has contributed a staggering $50 million to the pro-Trump super PAC, Make America Great Again Inc. The substantial donation, made on July 15, is anticipated to provide a significant boost to Trump’s campaign efforts. Mellon, a reclusive heir to the Mellon banking fortune, has already donated $115 million to the PAC since the beginning of 2023.

This colossal sum has made Mellon the premier benefactor of the super PACs endorsing Trump’s candidacy in this election cycle. The sizeable financial endowment stands as the largest individual campaign contribution to date in the 2024 election. Such immense financial support underscores the pivotal role that funds play in today’s highly competitive political landscape.

Impact on the 2024 Election

The $50 million influx from Mellon was deposited shortly before President Joe Biden’s decision to exit the race, indicating a potential strategy to shape the electoral dynamics. President Biden’s unexpected withdrawal and subsequent endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris have sparked significant interest and speculation.

“A reclusive Republican megadonor gave $50 million to a pro-Trump super PAC in July, following two other massive donations to boost the former president this cycle.” – POLITICO

This latest donation is part of a broader pattern; Mellon had previously given $50 million on May 31, right after Trump’s conviction on 34 felony counts. Mellon also supported Democrat-turned-independent Robert F. Kennedy Jr., donating $25 million to his campaign, demonstrating Mellon’s influence across the political spectrum.

Reclusive heir's gift to Trump's MAGA super PAC among largest ever disclosed: reporthttps://t.co/frYl9CETcx

— Raw Story (@RawStory) June 21, 2024

MAGA Inc.’s New Campaign Strategy

MAGA Inc. recently launched a $100 million ad campaign focusing on immigration and Kamala Harris’s prosecutorial record just ahead of the Labor Day. These issues are seen by Trump’s campaign as pivotal in swaying independent voters. Such strategic ad placements are designed to influence crucial swing states, potentially making or breaking the final election results.

Mellon’s contribution also highlights the financial disparity between the Trump and Harris campaigns. Harris’s campaign reportedly raised approximately $500 million since Biden’s exit. The considerable financial support for both sides suggests that the 2024 election is on track to be the most expensive election cycle to date, with ad spending predicted to exceed $10 billion.

Broader Implications and Donor Landscape

While Mellon’s support of Trump’s campaign is noteworthy, other high-profile donors have also played essential roles. Michael Bloomberg donated $19 million to Biden’s super PAC, FF PAC, illustrating the financial battles that underline modern political contests. Similarly, Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein have donated $10 million to MAGA Inc., adding another layer of financial complexity to the election landscape.

“Mellon — an heir to the Pittsburgh family’s banking fortune — gave $50m to the Trump-connected PAC on May 31, one day after a New York jury convicted the former president on 34 felony counts stemming from his attempts to cover up a sex scandal before the 2016 election.”

Comparatively, other significant contributions include those from Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz, and James Simons and Fred Eychaner, indicating a robust and diverse field of financial contributions impacting various aspects of the election. The financial power plays made by these donors highlight the escalating cost and stakes of modern political campaigns.