Republican mega-donor says it’s time to ‘move on’ from Trump
‘For a litany of reasons, I think it’s time to move on to the next generation,’ Citadel hedge fund manager Ken Griffin says
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Republican mega-donor Ken Griffin says it’s time for the party to “move on” from Donald Trump, and says he would support a Ron DeSantis presidential candidacy.
Mr Griffin, the head of investment firm Citadel, has given $60m to GOP candidates and campaigns in the 2022 midterm cycle, and told Politico he had tired of Mr Trump.
“He did a lot of things really well and missed the mark on some important areas. And for a litany of reasons, I think it’s time to move on to the next generation.”
Mr Griffin donated $5m to Mr DeSantis’s reelection campaign for Florida governor, and said he didn’t know if he would seek higher office.
“It’s a huge personal decision. He has a tremendous record as governor of Florida, and our country would be well-served by him as president,” Mr Griffin told Politico.
Mr Griffin said he disagreed with the Republican governor over his controversial move to fly dozens of Venezuelan migrants from Texas to Martha’s Vineyard.
The billionaire hedge fund manager told Politico he had tried to mend fractured relationships between Republicans and corporate America.
He said the revocation of Disney’s special tax status during a dispute over passing anti-LGBTQ legislation “felt like retribution”.
Mr Trump has signalled his intention to run for president again in 2024, with an announcement expected soon after the midterm elections.
At a campaign rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday, Mr Trump took a swipe at the Florida governor, referring to him as “Ron DeSanctimonious”.
The former president was criticised by conservatives for the divisive attack on the popular Republican governor days out from the 2022 midterms.
“DeSantis is an extremely effective conservative governor who has had real policy wins and real cultural wins,” tweeted conservative commentator Matt Walsh.
“Also, nice job launching your public attack against the most popular conservative governor in America three days before the midterms when we’re all supposed to be showing a united front,” he added.
Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton reportedly pulled out of the 2024 presidential race over the weekend.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments