In a surprising turn of events, billionaire casino tycoon Stephen Schwarzman has publicly thrown his support behind former President Donald Trump for the 2024 presidential race. The announcement came during an exclusive interview with CNBC, where Schwarzman, the chairman and CEO of private equity firm Blackstone Group, discussed his decision to back the controversial political figure.
Schwarzman, who is known for his close ties to the Republican Party, has been a vocal supporter of Trump in the past. However, his endorsement for a potential 2024 run is sure to raise eyebrows among both political insiders and the general public. Trump, who served as the 45th President of the United States from 2017 to 2021, remains a polarizing figure with a loyal base of supporters and a significant number of detractors.
During the interview, Schwarzman highlighted Trump’s economic achievements during his time in office, including tax cuts and deregulation efforts that he believes benefited the country. He also praised Trump’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, noting the rapid development and distribution of vaccines under his administration.
Schwarzman’s endorsement of Trump comes at a time when the Republican Party is facing a period of soul-searching following the tumultuous 2020 election and the events of January 6th, when a violent mob of Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to overturn the election results. Many GOP leaders have distanced themselves from Trump in the aftermath of the Capitol insurrection, leading to a rift within the party over its future direction.
Despite this, Schwarzman remains steadfast in his support for Trump, citing his belief that the former president is the best candidate to lead the Republican Party in the 2024 election. He stated, “I have seen firsthand the positive impact that President Trump’s policies had on the economy and the country as a whole. I believe he is the right person to continue that work and lead our country forward.”
The news of Schwarzman’s endorsement has already sparked debate and speculation within political circles, with many questioning the implications for the GOP and the 2024 presidential race. Some see Schwarzman’s support as a sign of Trump’s enduring influence within the party, while others view it as a risky move that could alienate moderate voters and further divide the Republican base.
As the 2024 election season begins to take shape, all eyes will be on Trump and the Republican Party as they navigate a complex political landscape. With influential figures like Stephen Schwarzman throwing their support behind him, Trump’s potential candidacy is sure to be a major focus of attention in the coming months.
