US election 2024: The celebrities supporting Harris, Trump

With the U.S. presidential election just around the corner on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, the fundraising efforts of candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are brimming with high-profile endorsements from billionaires, celebrities, and influential figures.

As Election Day approaches, both candidates are mobilising support and resources for the final stretch of the race, with data from the Federal Election Commission revealing contrast in donor profiles and financial backing for each campaign.

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Here’s a look at the big names backing each candidate:

According to Federal Election Commission data analysed by Bloomberg, Trump has raised at least $281 million, with a portion coming from a small number of ultra-wealthy contributors.

His fundraising efforts are bolstered by billionaires who favour his stances on deregulation, tax cuts, and conservative social policies.

The tech and energy sectors are particularly well-represented among Trump’s top donors:
• Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and owner of X (formerly Twitter), has contributed over $100 million, solidifying his support for Trump’s pro-business and free-speech positions. Musk, with a net worth of around $270.3 billion, is one of Trump’s largest individual donors.

• Miriam Adelson, the majority shareholder of Las Vegas Sands and widow of casino mogul Sheldon Adelson, has also donated over $100 million, reinforcing her legacy of substantial financial support for conservative candidates.

• Stephen Schwarzman, chairman of Blackstone, with a net worth of $54.2 billion, has added $419,600 to the Trump campaign, aligning with the business magnate’s preference for a low-regulation economic environment.

Trump’s financial support extends to other influential figures such as WhatsApp co-founder Jan Koum ($5.1 million) and energy tycoon Harold Hamm ($1.2 million), both of whom have a vested interest in policies that favour entrepreneurship and economic freedom.

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Hollywood and celebrity backing for Trump
Despite the entertainment industry’s historical alignment with liberal causes, Trump has garnered a dedicated fanbase in Hollywood and sports. His celebrity endorsements include:

• Jon Voight, Dennis Quaid, and Mel Gibson have voiced support for Trump’s vision of America.
• Kid Rock and Jason Aldean from the music industry are vocal advocates of Trump’s policies, particularly his views on free speech and Second Amendment rights.
• Mike Tyson and former pro-wrestler Hulk Hogan represent Trump’s backing within the sports community.
Harris gains Ground with Silicon Valley and Hollywood

Meanwhile, Kamala Harris has cultivated a support base among Silicon Valley tech moguls, Hollywood A-listers, and advocates for progressive causes.

Harris’s billionaire backers have contributed at least $66.2 million to her campaign, with support coming from leading figures in tech and philanthropy.

Here are some donors and supporters:
• Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, has contributed $50 million.
• Dustin Moskovitz, the co-founder of Meta, has donated $38 million.
• Reed Hastings, chairman of Netflix, backed Harris with a $6.9 million donation, further adding to the roster of Hollywood elites supporting her campaigns.

A-list Hollywood and music icons behind Harris

Harris has attracted a line-up of endorsements from Hollywood, music, and sports icons.
These endorsements appeal to younger and more diverse voters and include:
• Leonardo DiCaprio, Julia Roberts, and George Clooney have all voiced public support, drawing attention to Harris’s progressive stances on climate action, criminal justice reform, and healthcare.
• Music legends Taylor Swift and Beyoncé have mobilised their fanbases in support of Harris. Swift has actively campaigned for Harris since her endorsement following a debate.
• NBA stars Steph Curry and LeBron James as well as sports legends like Billie Jean King and Magic Johnson, further enhance Harris’s appeal among sports fans.

As Election Day looms, these endorsements bring an extra spark to the race.