Pro-Trump billionaire Bill Ackman gives $250K to Andrew Cuomo mayoral campaign

Billionaire hedge money head Bill Ackman has donated $250,000 to a ace PAC supporting Andrew Cuomo’s run for New York City mayor, according to caller run finance disclosures.

Ackman, a longtime Democrat who precocious announced his support for President Trump, made nan aid to Fix nan City, a governmental action committee backing Cuomo, nan erstwhile politician who has attracted nan support of GOP-affiliated figures arsenic he attempts a governmental comeback.

Ackman’s contribution, which was first reported by Politico, helped nan pro-Cuomo PAC surpass $4.8 cardinal successful full fundraising, giving nan erstwhile politician a sizeable advantage complete his much progressive rivals.

New Yorkers for Better Leadership, a ace PAC formed to reason Cuomo’s candidacy, reported only 1 qualifying publication — a $1,000 aid from ambiance tech investor Thomas O’Keefe, Politico reported.

Other anti-Cuomo groups person raised constricted costs arsenic well.

New Yorkers for Lower Costs, which supports antiauthoritarian socialist campaigner Zohran Mamdani, has brought successful conscionable $56,500. Meanwhile, a group operating nether nan motto “Don’t Rank Evil Andrew for Mayor” has reported a specified $10,500 successful sizable contributions.

Fix nan City, by comparison, has drawn 71 ample donors since early March, including heavyweights successful nan existent property and business sectors.

Among nan notable caller contributors: developers Kamran and Frederick Elghanayan of TF Cornerstone ($25,000 each); packaging magnate Dennis Mehiel ($50,000); and Andrew Sidamon-Eristoff, a Republican who served arsenic New Jersey’s authorities treasurer nether erstwhile Governor Chris Christie ($5,000).

These donations underscore Cuomo’s entreaty to financial elites arsenic he leads successful early mayoral polls.

Ackman’s support further illustrates nan different governmental alliances forming successful nan race.

Ackman, known for his outspoken views, has drawn disapproval for opposing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, prompting regular protests from civilian authorities leader Al Sharpton.

Though he recently collapsed pinch Trump connected tariffs, he quickly applauded nan erstwhile president’s determination to hold caller levies, calling it “brilliantly executed” and praising it arsenic “Textbook, Art of nan Deal.”

Ackman and Fix nan City declined to remark connected nan donation.

His governmental activity has spanned some awesome parties. In summation to supporting Cuomo, he gave $2,034 to long-shot Democratic campaigner Whitney Tilson, a chap Harvard alum, and antecedently contributed $250,000 to a ace PAC for Ray McGuire during nan 2021 mayoral race.

Cuomo’s fundraising haul has drawn backlash from opponents who reason his philanthropist guidelines is retired of measurement pinch progressive Democratic values.

“No 1 is amazed Trump supplier Ackman is bankrolling Cuomo’s Super PAC,” said Dora Pekec, a spokesperson for City Comptroller and mayoral hopeful Brad Lander.

“Cuomo himself accepted thousands successful donations from MAGA donors who helped elite Trump.”

Lauren Hitt, speaking for New Yorkers for Better Leadership, insisted there’s still room for a well-funded challenge.

“Cuomo is still very beatable,” she said. “His lead is chiefly rooted successful nan truth that his challengers are virtually unknown.”

Earlier supporters of Fix nan City see intermezo mogul Barry Diller, Walmart heir Alice Walton, and vocalist Billy Joel, a longtime friend of Cuomo.

The PAC is tally by Steven Cohen, a longtime Cuomo confidant.

While mayoral candidates successful nan city’s matching costs programme look a $2,100 aid cap, ace PACs tin judge unlimited contributions truthful agelong arsenic they stay independent of nan campaigns.

The Post has sought remark from Ackman and Cuomo.