With the presidential election fast approaching, the voting preferences of America’s wealthiest citizens—who have long influenced U.S. politics—are becoming increasingly apparent.
Given the central role of money in American politics, the financial backing of billionaires remains critical to presidential campaigns and other political initiatives. Both candidates’ campaigns have drawn millions from small donors as well as the ultra-wealthy, whose contributions can significantly impact a potential administration.
Analyzing data from the Federal Election Commission through September, Bloomberg examined members of the Bloomberg Billionaires Index who contributed to either Kamala Harris’s or Donald Trump’s campaigns.
Trump currently leads in contributions from the ultra-rich. The former president has received at least $281 million from 20 billionaires.
Harris’s campaign, by contrast, has received $66.2 million from 24 billionaires, including those who previously backed Joe Biden before he withdrew from the race. These contributions were redirected to Harris when she entered the race.
Trump’s advantage is bolstered by two major donors—Elon Musk and Miriam Adelson—each contributing over $100 million. Some of Harris’s most significant billionaire supporters, including Meta Platforms co-founder Dustin Moskovitz and Netflix chairman Reed Hastings, have donated millions to her campaign.
Many of Harris’s top Super PAC donors remain anonymous, as their contributions are funneled through political “non-profits” that are not required to disclose donor names.
Nevertheless, Harris has generally outpaced Trump since July. Her campaign raised $81 million on the day following Biden’s exit, reportedly the largest single-day fundraising haul for any candidate in history.
Heading into the last 19 days of the election, Harris holds $270 million in campaign funds, surpassing Trump’s $216 million.
Note: Bloomberg notes that Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg LP, the parent company of Bloomberg News, is also a major Democratic donor, having contributed $19 million to Future Forward PAC and $929,600 to the Biden Victory Fund.
Notable billionaire contributions
Elon Musk
Musk, worth $270.1 billion, donated $119 million to America PAC, which supported Trump’s campaign in swing states. Musk joined Trump on stage at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, following an assassination attempt on October 5, and has organized rallies to galvanize support.
Bill Gates
The New York Times reported that Gates donated $50 million to a “non-profit” organization backing Harris. Since the donation was made to a non-profit that does not disclose donor identities, it will not appear in public records.
Stephen Schwarzman
Blackstone CEO Schwarzman contributed $419,600 to the Trump 47 Committee.
Jon Gray
Blackstone President and COO Gray supports Harris, donating $413,000 to the Harris Action Fund and $50,000 to the Biden Action Fund.
Thomas Peterffy
The Interactive Brokers president contributed $844,600 to the Trump 47 Committee.
Miriam Adelson
Adelson, a staunch supporter of Israel and advocate for West Bank annexation, donated $100 million to Preserve America PAC and $927,900 to the Trump 47 Committee.
Lukas Walton
Walton, grandson of Walmart founder Sam Walton, contributed $416,300 to the Harris Action Fund.
Eric Schmidt
Former Alphabet CEO Schmidt gave $1.6 million to Future Forward PAC and $1.16 million to the Biden Victory Fund.
Dustin Moskovitz
Meta Platforms co-founder Moskovitz donated $38 million to Future Forward PAC and $929,600 to the Biden Victory Fund.
Jeff Hildebrand
Hilcorp Energy founder and owner Hildebrand contributed around $515,000 to the Trump 47 Committee.
Jan Koum
WhatsApp co-founder Koum donated $5.1 million to Make America Great Again, a Trump-linked group.
Christy Walton
Walton, daughter-in-law of Walmart founder Sam Walton, donated $25,000 to the Harris Victory Fund.
Melinda French Gates
Former co-chair of the Gates Foundation, Gates donated about $920,000 to the Harris Victory Fund.
Steven Spielberg
The renowned director, a longtime Democratic donor, contributed $500,000 to the Harris Victory Fund and $929,600 to the Biden Victory Fund.
Joe Gebbia
Airbnb co-founder Gebbia, a Harris supporter, donated $20,000 to the Biden Victory Fund.
Bernie Marcus
Home Depot co-founder Marcus contributed $1 million to Make America Great Again and $844,600 to the Trump 47 Committee.
Kelcy Warren
Energy Transfer LP chair Warren donated $5 million each to Turnout for America and Make America Great Again, and $814,600 to the Trump 47 Committee.
Reed Hastings
Netflix co-founder Hastings donated $6.9 million to the Republican Accountability PAC, $1 million to Future Forward PAC, and $100,000 to the Biden Victory Fund.
George Soros
Soros gave $900,000 to the Harris Victory Fund, $903,000 to the Biden Victory Fund, and $6,600 directly to Biden’s campaign. Through Democracy PAC, Soros donated over $15 million to Future Forward PAC.
Meanwhile, some high-profile billionaires, including Mark Zuckerberg, Warren Buffet, and Charles Koch, have opted to remain silent on their political contributions.
