Las Vegas Sands owner to invest $100 million in Trump campaign
Miriam Adelson, the widow of billionaire Sheldon Adelson and owner of Las Vegas Sands, is set to invest over $100 million in former President Donald Trump’s Presidential election campaign. Although she remained neutral during this year’s Republican primaries, Miriam is now preparing to actively support Trump by funding the pro-Trump super PAC, Preserve America. This PAC was originally established to support Trump’s 2020 re-election bid, during which the Adelsons contributed around $90 million.
Dr Miriam Adelson’s net worth is estimated to be $27.5 billion. She is ranked #66 on the Forbes list of the world’s billionaires.
Miriam Adelson’s portfolio includes significant holdings in the Las Vegas Sands casino empire. In 2022, the company sold its Las Vegas assets, including the Venetian Resort and Sands Expo and Convention Centre, for $6.25 billion. Additionally, she has a majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks basketball team.
Sheldon Adelson, a staunch Trump supporter
Sheldon Adelson, who passed away in 2021, was one of the world’s most prominent casino magnates, serving as the main shareholder of Las Vegas Sands. Under his leadership, Las Vegas Sands grew into a gaming industry empire, with iconic properties in Las Vegas, Macau, and Singapore. His business success enabled Sheldon to become one of the largest political donors in the United States, particularly supporting campaigns aligned with his interests, especially regarding Israel.
In 2016, Sheldon Adelson stood out as Trump’s largest single donor, contributing $20 million. However, he withheld his support until September of that year when Trump committed to moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem—an action that was realised during Trump’s presidency. This move solidified Adelson’s support for Trump, which extended into the 2020 re-election campaign.
After Sheldon’s death, Miriam Adelson maintained a lower political profile, though her influence remained significant. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Trump in 2018 in recognition of her philanthropic and political contributions. Initially, there was speculation that Adelson might not engage in the 2024 elections, as she expressed a desire in 2021 to overcome the divisions that arose after Trump’s defeat. However, her re-engagement in the political arena became apparent during the 2022 midterm elections.
Proposes US recognition of Israeli West Bank
Despite being courted by Trump and his primary competitors, such as Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley, Miriam Adelson has so far refrained from taking sides. In a recent profile in New York Magazine, she hinted at her interest in Trump advocating for the annexation of the occupied West Bank if he secures a second term. This issue is viewed as “unfinished business” from Trump’s first term, particularly in light of his 2020 Middle East peace plan, which proposed potential U.S. recognition of Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
Medicine, political activism and casinos
Miriam Adelson is a medical doctor with a distinguished career in medicine. She earned her medical degree from Tel Aviv University’s Sackler Faculty of Medicine, graduating magna cum laude. She specialised in internal and emergency medicine and served as the chief internist in an emergency room at Tel Aviv’s Rokach (Hadassah) Hospital.
In addition to her work in emergency medicine, she has focused extensively on drug addiction research and treatment. She has published numerous scientific papers on the topic and founded substance abuse centres and research clinics in both Tel Aviv and Las Vegas.
Beyond continuing her late husband’s political legacy, Miriam Adelson has shown interest in expanding her empire beyond casinos. Recently, reports have surfaced that she is exploring the acquisition of a sports franchise, which could further diversify the Adelson family’s investments.
In recent months, Trump and Adelson have engaged in several discussions, both in person and over the phone. Some analysts believe this close relationship may explain Trump’s increasingly favourable stance toward Israel. At a recent fundraiser, Trump reaffirmed his support for Israel’s right to combat terrorism and pledged to crack down on pro-Palestinian protests at universities, as well as to deport foreign protesters.
Miriam Adelson’s ongoing support for Trump is likely deeply rooted in the legacy of her late husband, who not only shaped the global casino industry but also left a lasting impact on American politics.
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