Trump Receives $1 Million in Legal Support from Hotel Tycoon Robert Bigelow
Renowned hotelier Robert Bigelow has revealed that he recently contributed $1 million to Donald Trump’s legal fees and pledged an additional $20 million to a pro-Trump outside group for campaign purposes.
These commitments, not previously reported, indicate substantial financial support for Trump as he leads the race for the Republican presidential nomination.
Bigelow Supports Trump
In an interview Bigelow, the owner of Budget Suites of America and founder of Bigelow Aerospace, expressed his belief that Trump is unfairly targeted in ongoing criminal cases.
These cases include Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election results, handling of classified documents post-presidency, and hush money payments to a porn star.
Bigelow, who also funds investigations into extraterrestrial life, emphasized his sympathy for the former president, stating, “I was just sympathetic. They didn’t solicit anything from me.” The $20 million donation is set to be directed to the super PAC supporting Trump’s campaign.
Despite mounting legal challenges, Trump remains the frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination, with all rivals, except former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, having dropped out of the race.
Trump’s legal costs have surged, with recent developments including an $83 million defamation verdict and a pending ruling on the New York Attorney General’s request for $370 million in penalties.
Donald Trump Gains Big Donation and Allegiance Shift
While Bigelow initially supported Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, he shifted his allegiance, citing disagreements over DeSantis’s strict anti-abortion policies.
Trump’s team has actively sought support from wealthy donors, urging them to switch allegiance from Haley. Trump has warned potential donors of being ostracized if they continue supporting other candidates.
The $1 million donation from Bigelow was sent to an entity related to Trump’s Save America PAC, a crucial vehicle for funding the former president’s legal fees. Bigelow, who recently had dinner with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, expressed confidence in Trump’s ability to handle crises, citing his term in the White House from 2017 to 2021. The additional $20 million commitment is expected to be distributed promptly.
As Trump navigates legal challenges and secures financial backing, the 2024 presidential race continues to unfold with evolving dynamics and significant contributions from influential donors like Robert Bigelow.