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| Haley War Chest Swells as Defiant Donors Fuel Anti-Trump Bid |
Fueled by a surge in online donations and hefty checks from disillusioned billionaires, Nikki Haley's long-shot presidential campaign is gaining momentum. With defiant donors and Wall Street heavyweights rallying behind her, can she dethrone Trump and become the Republican nominee?
Bankrolling the Rebellion: After framing herself as Trump's nemesis following a New Hampshire primary defeat, Haley's online fundraising exploded, bringing in over $4 million. But the real power play lies with big-dollar donors, many harboring disdain for Trump. Hedge fund titan Ken Griffin, a top GOP contributor, threw his weight behind Haley with a cool $5 million donation to her super PAC.
Griffin: Anti-Trump Kingmaker? While acknowledging Haley's "narrower road" to victory, Griffin praised her leadership and foreign policy credentials, believing she'd "run away with the general election" if nominated. However, he stopped short of endorsing Trump if Haley falters, hinting at reservations about the former president's behavior.
Wall Street Whispers: This high-profile endorsement is just the tip of the iceberg. A star-studded New York City fundraiser, co-hosted by Wall Street billionaires, aims to raise over $1.5 million for Haley. Similar events across the country, including a stop in Trump's Florida backyard, showcase the growing support from disillusioned bigwigs.
Trump's Blacklist Backfires: Trump's attempt to silence Haley's donors by labeling them "permanently barred" from his movement appears to be backfiring. Instead, it's galvanizing independent and Republican donors like James Hoffmann, who sees Trump's actions as pushing them out of the party altogether.
Can Money Buy the Nomination? While Haley's war chest is growing, the nomination remains a steep climb. Trump still leads in polls, and navigating the upcoming South Carolina primary, his home state, will be crucial. Can Haley's financial muscle and anti-Trump narrative translate into enough votes to overcome the former president's strong base?
