RFK Jr’s super PAC is primarily funded by a GOP megadonor, known for supporting Trump and financing a Texas border wall project.
RFK Jr's super PAC is primarily funded by a GOP megadonor, known for supporting Trump and financing a Texas border wall project.
Beneath the Surface: The Unconventional Backers of Robert F. Kennedy Jr’s Campaign
If there’s one thing that is certain in the unpredictable world of politics, it’s that anything can happen. Case in point: long-shot Democratic presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has managed to gather an unlikely group of supporters – Republicans. And it’s not just any Republicans, but powerful ones who are willing to put their money where their mouth is.
A significant portion of the $9.8 million raised by American Values 2024, a super PAC endorsing Kennedy’s campaign, came from Timothy Mellon. Mellon’s generous contribution of $5 million in April, just days before Kennedy’s official campaign launch, makes him the primary backer of RFK Jr. in a seemingly paradoxical scenario.
In a statement to CNBC, Mellon cited Kennedy’s “bipartisan support” as the reason behind his substantial donation to the super PAC. Mellon believes that Kennedy is the candidate who can bring the country together and eradicate corruption. Interestingly, he also believes that Kennedy is the one Democrat who stands a chance at winning in the general election.
Although Mellon’s support for Kennedy may come as a surprise, it aligns with his history of contributing to Republican candidates and campaigns in recent years. His extensive list includes a whopping $20 million to America First Action, a super PAC supporting former President Donald Trump’s 2020 re-election campaign, as well as $45 million to Congressional Leadership Fund, associated with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, and $30 million to Senate Leadership Fund, associated with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.
But Mellon’s involvement in politics does not end there. He also contributed a staggering $53 million to an initiative led by Republican Governor Greg Abbott of Texas to build a wall on the US-Mexico border, essentially singlehandedly financing the entire project. This further adds to the intricacy of Mellon’s political inclination, which transcends party lines and embraces specific causes he deems worthy.
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The connection between Kennedy and Mellon, despite their differing political ideologies, speaks to the complexity and unpredictability of politics. It underscores the fact that individuals can find common ground even within the chasms that often divide us.
On the surface, Mellon may come across as an enigma – a wealthy scion of the Mellon family, which holds a storied history in banking. His influence and contribution to the world of politics are undeniable, yet his past statements have raised eyebrows.
Mellon’s self-published autobiography sheds light on some controversial views. In it, he decries welfare programs as “slavery redux” and makes disparaging remarks about Black people, suggesting that they were increasingly “belligerent and unwilling to pitch in to improve their own situations” during the 1980s. These views have rightfully faced criticism, as they perpetuate harmful stereotypes and fail to acknowledge the systemic issues that contribute to economic inequality.
It is important to note that Mellon’s actions and statements do not define Kennedy or his campaign. Kennedy has distanced himself from Mellon’s views and has championed progressive policies aimed at addressing racial and economic disparities. However, the association with a donor who holds such controversial opinions has raised questions among some of Kennedy’s supporters.
While Timothy Mellon may be the primary financier of American Values 2024, he is not the sole benefactor. Gavin De Becker, a well-known security professional, also contributed $4.3 million to the super PAC. De Becker notably defended Kennedy against accusations of anti-Semitism and racism when Kennedy speculated about the origins of COVID-19, suggesting it may have been genetically engineered to spare certain groups of people.
The involvement of De Becker underscores the broader challenges around campaign financing and the role of super PACs. These organizations can accept unlimited political contributions but are legally prohibited from coordinating with campaigns. In practice, however, the distinction between super PACs and campaigns has become increasingly blurred in recent years, raising concerns about the influence of money on politics.
As Kennedy’s campaign pushes forward, polling numbers have shown him trailing behind other Democratic candidates, including current President Joe Biden. Additionally, he has faced increased scrutiny from the media, which has contributed to a decline in his favorability among Democrats. Yet, Kennedy remains undeterred, backed by a diverse coalition of supporters, including unexpected contributions from those who may not align with his political beliefs but see in him the potential to bridge important divides.
In the intricate world of politics, alliances can form in the most unexpected places. The unconventional backing of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s campaign by Republican supporters like Timothy Mellon sheds light on the complexities and nuances of the political landscape. While the association may raise valid concerns and generate controversy, it serves as a reminder that politics, like life, is filled with unexpected twists and turns.
