Reclusive billionaire Timothy Mellon, a day after former President Donald Trump was convicted of 34 felony counts in New York City, donated $50 million to the pro-Trump super PAC Make America Great Again Inc. This remarkable contribution marks one of the largest single donations ever made to a presidential campaign, highlighting Mellon’s steadfast support for Trump amidst political adversity.
Mellon, 81, heir to the Mellon banking fortune and grandson of the late Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon, is the first donor to give $100 million in disclosed federal contributions this election cycle. With $25 million each already going to super PACs supporting Trump and independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Mellon is making a substantial impact on the political landscape. This commitment reflects a broader conservative effort to counteract what many see as an unjust prosecution of Trump.
MAGA Inc. responded swiftly to Mellon’s generosity, planning to reserve $100 million in ads through Labor Day. The PAC started by reserving $30 million in ads to air in Pennsylvania and Georgia around the Fourth of July. At the end of April, the super PAC had $34.5 million, but Mellon’s contribution played a crucial role in raising nearly $70 million in May, demonstrating the rallying financial support for Trump following his trial.
Mellon’s financial backing extends beyond Trump. He has also supported Robert F. Kennedy Jr., donating $5 million to the Kennedy super PAC in April. This strategic distribution of funds indicates Mellon’s broader commitment to conservative and independent causes, ensuring that influential voices in the political arena have the necessary resources to compete effectively.
The surge in donations to Trump’s campaign underscores the robust support from prominent conservative figures. Miriam Adelson, the widow of megadonor Sheldon Adelson, announced her family’s plan to donate $90 million to the Trump campaign, matching their 2020 contributions. Similarly, Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein, significant Republican donors, contributed $5 million to MAGA Inc. in May. Billionaire energy executive Kelcy Warren also added $5 million, further bolstering Trump’s campaign.
In contrast, outside groups supporting President Joe Biden have announced over $1 billion in spending, led by $250 million from Future Forward, a pro-Biden super PAC. Despite this substantial financial backing, the enthusiasm and support for Trump, exemplified by Mellon’s historic donation, signal a determined and well-funded conservative effort to challenge the current administration.
Timothy Mellon’s reclusive nature belies his significant influence in conservative circles. His $10 million donation to a GOP super PAC was the first of several eight-figure contributions to Republican groups. Mellon has also donated $53 million worth of stock for the private construction of a border wall in Texas, reinforcing his commitment to conservative causes.
Next month, Mellon will publish a book titled “panam.captain” about his work in reviving Pan Am Systems. Although his previous autobiography was pulled down in 2016 due to controversial passages, Mellon’s continued contributions and active participation in the political and business arenas underscore his ongoing influence and dedication to conservative principles.
