Renowned hedge fund manager Bill Ackman stirred controversy on social media when he hinted at the possibility of voting for President Donald Trump in the upcoming 2024 election. Ackman, known for his vocal opinions, announced on X (formerly Twitter) that he won’t be supporting President Joe Biden this time around, stating, “For anyone who is still confused on the topic, I am not voting for Biden.”
While Ackman had voted for Trump in 2016, he switched allegiance to Biden in 2020. However, in his recent statement, he expressed openness to supporting Trump again, citing his preference to keep his options open until closer to the election date.
The CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management has been actively involved in discussions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, particularly at prestigious institutions like Harvard University, his alma mater. Ackman has also been critical of recent pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses, alleging an increase in antisemitic sentiments following the Hamas terrorist attack in Israel on October 7.
In an interview with the Calcalist website, Ackman emphasized the significance of addressing issues related to Israel, antisemitism, and the challenges posed by DEI ideologies, especially within the finance industry, a sector he has always identified with, being of Jewish heritage.
It remains uncertain whether Ackman will contribute financially to Trump’s campaign or choose to support a third-party candidate like independent Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Ackman’s remarks come amid reports of increased financial support for President Trump’s campaign from wealthy donors during the first quarter of 2024. Notable contributors include Intercontinental Exchange founder Jeffrey Sprecher, hotel magnate Robert Bigelow, TD Ameritrade founder J. Joe Ricketts, and former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler, among others.
Additionally, filings from the Federal Election Commission reveal substantial donations from individuals such as casino owner Phil Ruffin, hedge fund billionaire John Paulson, and former WWE executive Linda McMahon, indicating a narrowing fundraising gap between Trump and Biden.
