Home Depot Tycoon Bernie Marcus Remains Firm on Supporting Trump Amidst Legal Woes
The billionaire philanthropist and co-founder of Home Depot, Bernie Marcus, affirmed on Tuesday his intention to financially support Donald Trump’s potential 2024 presidential bid, even if the former president were to face conviction in ongoing legal battles. Marcus, a prominent Republican donor, clarified that while he is committed to endorsing Trump, he does not anticipate being one of the primary financial backers for the controversial figure.
The revelation comes on the heels of Marcus publicly announcing his support for Trump earlier this month, as the former president positions himself as the leading candidate for the 2024 Republican nomination. The nomination race is scheduled to commence on January 15 in Iowa, marking a significant milestone in the political landscape.
Trump currently confronts four criminal cases, encompassing both state and federal charges arising from his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results against Democrat Joe Biden. At 77, Trump vehemently denies any wrongdoing, entering not guilty pleas across all four cases. The unprecedented legal entanglements have ignited speculations about the potential ramifications on Trump’s political ambitions should he face conviction or incarceration.
In an exclusive interview with Reuters, Marcus addressed the question of continued support in the face of potential conviction, asserting, “I think so. Because I think it’s all trumped up.” Despite the uncertainty surrounding Trump’s legal battles, Marcus, at 94, remains steadfast in his commitment to endorse the former president.
Having supported Trump’s presidential bids in both 2016 and 2020, Marcus revealed that he recently had a conversation with the ex-president. However, he clarified that discussions did not delve into legal matters or associated fees, emphasizing that Trump expressed contentment with the billionaire’s backing.
Marcus, alongside his wife Billi Wilma Marcus, emerged as the seventh-largest individual Republican donor in the 2020 election cycle, contributing nearly $25 million to various Republican campaigns, according to OpenSecrets, a non-profit organization monitoring political finances. Forbes estimates Marcus’ net worth at approximately $8.8 billion.
When pressed for specifics regarding his financial contributions this time around, Marcus opted not to disclose detailed figures. He did affirm his support for Trump in both the primary and general elections, should Trump secure the nomination. Despite this commitment, Marcus downplayed his role as a major financial supporter, stating, “Of course, I’m going to support him to some extent, but I’m not one of his big givers, that’s for sure.”
While expressing admiration for other Republican candidates like Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis, Marcus expressed skepticism about their chances against Trump in the nomination contest. He highlighted his belief that Trump’s track record as a “fixer” would benefit the U.S. economy and underscored his confidence in Trump’s ability to navigate complex issues, particularly in the realm of Middle East foreign policy.
In conclusion, Marcus’ unwavering support for Trump, despite legal uncertainties, adds a layer of intrigue to the unfolding narrative surrounding the former president’s potential return to the political spotlight in 2024.
