The Political Scene | The New Yorker

What Billionaires See in Donald Trump

Oct 19, 2024
Discover the intriguing world of billionaire donors banking on Donald Trump’s campaign. Explore why figures like Elon Musk are backing him despite the chaos. The discussions reveal how modern oligarchs operate with a sense of impunity, expecting political favors in return for their cash. Contrast this with the Democratic fundraising scene, particularly how Kamala Harris is navigating the changing political landscape. Delve into the implications of wealth on democracy, as the lines between financial influence and accountability blur in today's elections.
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ANECDOTE

Peltz Dinner

  • Nelson Peltz, despite calling Trump a "terrible human being", hosted a donor dinner for him.
  • This illustrates how many wealthy Republicans rationalized supporting Trump despite personal dislike.
INSIGHT

Transactional Support

  • Trump attracts new supporters driven by profit, not traditional Republican values.
  • They view supporting Trump as another business venture, prioritizing personal gain.
ANECDOTE

Crypto Flip-Flop

  • Trump flipped his stance on Bitcoin after receiving support from crypto industry figures.
  • He then appointed Howard Lutnick, a major crypto proponent, to his transition team.
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