Billionaire Dick Uihlein has made headlines for contributing nearly $49 million to the conservative Restoration PAC during the last quarter, supporting former President Donald Trump‘s campaign. This significant financial backing positions him as one of Trump’s key supporters, alongside other wealthy donors like Miriam Adelson and Elon Musk.
Financial Contributions
Recent filings with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) reveal that Uihlein donated $48.8 million to Restoration PAC between July and September of this year. His total donations to the PAC since January have reached almost $59 million. These contributions highlight Uihlein’s commitment to funding Trump’s political efforts.
During the same quarter, the Restoration PAC allocated around $20 million to various conservative organizations and pro-Trump groups. Notable recipients included Moms for Liberty Action, the anti-abortion Women Speak Out PAC, and Turn Out For America, which focuses on encouraging voter participation for Trump’s campaign.
Shift in Support
Dick Uihlein and his wife, Liz, initially supported Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in his presidential run. However, they pledged their support to Trump earlier this year after DeSantis suspended his campaign. This change in backing reflects the shifting dynamics within the Republican Party, especially after DeSantis dropped out of the race and endorsed Trump.
In a March interview, Liz Uihlein confirmed their intention to back Trump, noting that they had previously contributed $1.5 million to DeSantis’ campaign and planned to donate a similar amount to support Trump. Their willingness to shift support underscores the importance of financial backing in politics, particularly in the Republican primaries.
Uihlein’s Wealth and Influence
The Uihleins are estimated to have a fortune of $6 billion each, ranking them at number 547 on Forbes’ real-time list of the world’s richest people. Their wealth primarily stems from their shipping and packing supplies company, Uline, which they founded in 1980. The company generates over $6 billion in sales annually and has a significant presence in the Republican fundraising landscape.
Overall Impact of Contributions
In total, Trump supporters like Uihlein, Musk, and Adelson contributed a staggering $218.7 million in the last quarter alone. Among these donors, Miriam Adelson stands out, having donated $95 million to the pro-Trump Preserve America PAC, which has allocated approximately $113 million towards presidential campaign advertisements. This level of funding showcases the substantial financial resources that can influence political campaigns.
Elon Musk’s contributions have also drawn attention, with filings indicating he donated around $75 million to his pro-Trump America PAC. Earlier reports suggested Musk might spend up to $45 million per month on supporting Trump, further emphasizing the financial muscle behind Trump’s campaign.
Background on the Uihleins
The Uihleins have been prominent figures in Republican fundraising for many years. They gained attention for their significant donations to DeSantis when he was still in the race. After DeSantis’ exit, their shift in support to Trump highlights the importance of backing a candidate perceived as viable within the party.
The couple’s long-standing support for Republican candidates is evident in their business decisions as well. In 2021, Uline’s annual catalog promoted Trump’s “America First” trade policies, indicating their alignment with his political ideology.
Dick Uihlein’s nearly $49 million investment in the Restoration PAC underscores the role of wealthy donors in shaping the political landscape, particularly in support of Donald Trump. As the election approaches, financial backing from billionaires like Uihlein, Musk, and Adelson will likely continue to play a crucial role in influencing voter turnout and campaign effectiveness. The dynamics within the Republican Party and the shifting alliances among major donors reflect the ever-evolving nature of American politics.
