In an exclusive revelation, hotelier Robert Bigelow confirmed to Reuters on Tuesday that he contributed $1 million to Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump for legal fees. Bigelow further pledged an additional $20 million to a pro-Trump outside group for campaign purposes. These commitments, previously undisclosed, indicate a significant influx of financial support around Trump, who is currently the leading contender for the Republican presidential nomination.
Robert Bigelow, the owner of Budget Suites of America based in Nevada, expressed his sympathy for Trump, stating that he believes the former president is unfairly targeted in the four pending criminal cases against him. Bigelow, who also founded Bigelow Aerospace and funds investigations into extraterrestrial life, emphasized that the $20 million donation to the super PAC will be spread out and “starts right away.”
The disclosed donations shed light on the unusual role some political donors are playing as Trump confronts legal challenges. Trump faces multiple criminal cases, including those related to his efforts to reverse the 2020 presidential election loss, handling of classified documents upon leaving office, and hush money payments to a porn star.
“I was just sympathetic. They didn’t solicit anything from me,” said Bigelow, highlighting his personal motivation behind the donation. While the Justice Department asserts it acts without political bias, Bigelow’s support adds a unique dimension to the financial landscape surrounding Trump’s legal battles.
All of Trump’s Republican rivals, with the exception of former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, have exited the race, making Trump the presumptive nominee. Trump and his team have actively sought to attract wealthy benefactors, including making calls to donors to convince them to switch sides.
Notably, Bigelow initially supported Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for the Republican nomination but withdrew his backing, citing differences over DeSantis’s strict anti-abortion policies.
Despite Trump’s political success, his legal costs are rapidly accumulating. Recently, he faced an $83 million defamation verdict in a case brought by writer E. Jean Carroll. A judge is expected to rule soon on the New York Attorney General’s request for $370 million in penalties related to misrepresentations about Trump’s net worth.
The New York Times reported on Tuesday that pro-Trump groups spent around $50 million on legal bills and investigation-related expenses in 2023. While Reuters could not immediately confirm this figure, it underscores the substantial financial resources being mobilized in support of Trump.
When asked about potential additional donations for Trump’s legal fees, Bigelow declined to comment. He revealed having a dinner meeting with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago residence on Monday night, expressing confidence in Trump’s ability to navigate crises based on his 2017-2021 term in the White House.
The disclosure of these donations adds a new chapter to the intricate interplay of money and legal challenges in the realm of American politics, especially as the 2024 presidential election season unfolds.