Billionaire Hedge Fund Manager Ken Griffin Supports Nikki Haley in 2024 Presidential Race
Billionaire hedge fund manager Ken Griffin has recently announced his support for Nikki Haley as she takes on Donald Trump for the Republican presidential nomination in the 2024 race. Griffin made two significant contributions totaling $5 million to a super PAC backing Haley's campaign in December and January, according to his spokesperson Zia Ahmed.
The second donation was made in early January, prior to the Iowa caucuses where Haley earned a third-place finish behind Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. These donations were disclosed on Tuesday after Griffin mentioned his support for Haley during an investment conference in Miami.
Although Haley experienced back-to-back losses in both Iowa and New Hampshire and faces a tough path ahead, she remains determined and argues that her performance highlights the strength of her candidacy. She plans to continue her campaign into her home state of South Carolina for the primary on February 24. To bolster her campaign, Haley has scheduled several fundraisers in the coming weeks.
Griffin's endorsement of Haley is significant, given his status as a prominent donor and his previous praise for Trump's fiscal policies. Griffin had refrained from donating to Trump's presidential campaigns but had admired his approach to economic matters. However, despite supporting Haley, Griffin indicated that he intends to concentrate his giving on other elections moving forward.
In a rare statement, Griffin lauded Haley as someone with 'a tremendous track record of leadership' and emphasized her foreign policy credentials and policy priorities. He stated that America would be well served by having someone like her in the White House. Nevertheless, Griffin expressed his intention to divert his attention and resources towards supporting candidates running for the U.S. House and Senate who prioritize economic freedom and a strong defense for the nation.
Griffin, along with a group of mega-donors, remained on the sidelines initially, observing the candidates attempting to challenge former President Trump. While Griffin was initially expected to support DeSantis, he refrained from donating to him after his campaign launch in May. Griffin expressed concerns about DeSantis' policies regarding gender and sexuality education in Florida schools, as well as his ongoing conflict with Disney.
With Griffin's substantial financial backing, Haley's campaign hopes to gain momentum and overcome the challenges ahead. The 2024 presidential race continues to unfold, with candidates vying for the Republican nomination and navigating the complexities of the primary season. Only time will tell how Griffin's endorsement and financial support will shape the outcome of this highly anticipated political contest.
