President Trump Praises Dr. Miriam Adelson
AUSTIN — President Donald Trump heaped praise and kind words on his friend and campaign megadonor, billionaire Dallas Mavericks majority owner Dr. Miriam Adelson, as she joined him for a speech before the Israeli parliament in her native country on Monday.
“She loves this country,” Trump said of the physician and casino owner, who was born in Israel and who, with her late husband, Sheldon, was one of Trump’s top donors during his three presidential campaigns. “I’m going to get her in trouble with this, but I actually asked her once, I said, ‘So Miriam, I know you love Israel. What do you love more? The United States or Israel?’ She refused to answer. That might mean Israel.”
The crowd chuckled, but the underlying message was the Adelsons’ yearslong support for and influence on U.S. foreign policy in Israel during Trump’s presidential years — a partnership he said strongly shaped his decisions to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and move the U.S. Embassy, as well as his moves on the Golan Heights.
The Adelsons’ Influence on U.S. Foreign Policy
In his speech, Trump described a nearly open-door policy at the White House with the Adelsons, describing Sheldon Adelson as “aggressive” in his support of their agenda — particularly when it came to Israel, of which Miriam Adelson has been a fierce backer.
“Wonderful woman,” Trump said Monday to lawmakers’ applause. “I think they had more trips to the White House than anybody else I could think of. Look at her sitting there so innocently. She’s got $60 billion in the bank.”
According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, her total net worth was valued at $39.4 billion as of Oct. 12, ranking her as the 51st-richest person in the world.
Dr. Miriam Adelson’s Solo Effort as a Political Donor
Adelson launched her first solo effort as a highly sought-after political donor in 2024, three years after her GOP megadonor husband, the former CEO and chairman of casino company Las Vegas Sands, died at age 87.
Her son-in-law, Patrick Dumont, is president of Sands.
The Adelsons donated more than $200 million to Republican campaigns and political action committees in 2020, including $90 million to Preserve America, a Trump fundraising machine that went dormant after Trump’s defeat.
It was soundly revived last year, when Miriam Adelson donated $100 million to Preserve America, which funded tens of millions in ads in swing states.
Support for Other Republican Candidates
Adelson also gave $1 million in 2024 to the Truth and Courage PAC, which supported Sen. Ted Cruz in his reelection race against Democratic U.S. Rep. Colin Allred of Dallas.
The Adelsons have also donated $500,000 to Trump’s Patriot Legal Defense Fund to help staffers who were part of special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. The Mueller report found the Trump campaign benefited from interference and ended with the conviction of more than a half-dozen associates. Trump was never charged.
Political Influence in Texas
In Texas, as Mavericks owner, Adelson’s political influence also continues a family tradition. Her husband was a major donor to the campaigns of Gov. Greg Abbott and other Texas Republicans, and she has continued the contributions since his death. The family has also been a big supporter of state legislation to legalize sports betting and establish casinos, spending millions on lobbyists.
Political Points
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dr. Miriam Adelson’s influence on U.S. foreign policy, particularly in Israel, is a result of her long-standing support for and partnership with President Trump. Her donations to various Republican campaigns and political action committees have also made her a significant player in the world of politics.
FAQs
Q: Who is Dr. Miriam Adelson?
A: Dr. Miriam Adelson is a billionaire physician and casino owner who is the majority owner of the Dallas Mavericks. She is also a significant political donor and has been a major supporter of President Trump and other Republican candidates.
Q: What is Dr. Adelson’s net worth?
A: According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Dr. Adelson’s total net worth was valued at $39.4 billion as of Oct. 12, ranking her as the 51st-richest person in the world.
Q: How has Dr. Adelson influenced U.S. foreign policy in Israel?
A: Dr. Adelson’s influence on U.S. foreign policy in Israel has been significant, particularly during President Trump’s presidential years. Her partnership with Trump has shaped his decisions to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and move the U.S. Embassy, as well as his moves on the Golan Heights.
Q: What other Republican candidates has Dr. Adelson supported?
A: Dr. Adelson has supported various Republican candidates, including Sen. Ted Cruz, and has donated to several political action committees, including the Truth and Courage PAC and Preserve America.
