Sheldon Adelson Says ‘Why Not?’ to Donald Trump as President
Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
Sheldon Adelson is reportedly open to the idea of supporting Donald Trump as the Republican nominee for president in 2016.
“Trump is a businessman. I am a businessman. He employs a lot of people. I employed 50,000 people. Why not?” Adelson, a billionaire casino magnate and prominent Republican donor, said during a gala on February 27 at the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas.
Adelson’s comments were first by Israeli political writer Tal Schneider. Jewish Insider later covered Schneider’s report.
“It reminds me of [a joke],” said Adelson. “One Jewish man said to another Jewish man, ‘Do you know why Jews always answer a question with a question?’ So, the guy said, ‘Why not?’”
Adelson has yet to openly back any presidential candidate — some previously speculated that Senators Ted Cruz or Marco Rubio might receive the billionaire’s endorsement.
“Any one of the 14 candidates is better than what we have today, better than what the opposition has by far,” Adelson told reporters in December 2015. “So whoever becomes the nominee, I’m going to support.”
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
