Nov 14, 2023 - Politics & Policy

GOP megadonor Ken Griffin "actively contemplating" supporting Haley

Erin Doherty

Republican presidential candidate former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley speaks during the NBC News Republican Presidential Primary Debate at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County on November 8, 2023 in Miami, Florida. — Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley speaks during the NBC News Republican Presidential Primary Debate on Nov. 8 in Miami, Florida. Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Republican megadonor Ken Griffin said Tuesday that he is considering backing former UN ambassador Nikki Haley in the 2024 presidential election.

Why it matters: Haley has drawn heightened attention from wealthy GOP donors who are seeking an alternative to former President Trump following her three strong debate performances.

Driving the news: Griffin told Bloomberg News on Tuesday that he is "actively contemplating" supporting Haley.

"That's a decision that we're actively contemplating," he said during an interview with Bloomberg News at the Citadel Securities Global Macro Conference. "I mean, we are at the finish line on that choice. Yes or no."

The big picture: Griffin, the founder and CEO of hedge fund Citadel, indicated in September that he was souring on Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who he previously had said that he planned to support.

"It's not clear to me what voter base he is intending to appeal to," Griffin said of the Florida governor.
Griffin gave $5 million in 2021 to a political action committee backing DeSantis' governor reelection bid, according to state campaign finance records.

State of play: South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott dropped out of the presidential race on Sunday, leading some wealthy donors to consider throwing their support behind Haley instead, CNBC reports.

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon has been having private conversations with Haley, Axios reported earlier on Tuesday.

Go deeper: Scoop: Big GOP donors push for Trump alternative

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GOP megadonor Ken Griffin "actively contemplating" supporting Haley

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