Former President Donald Trump prepares to embark upon Aspen for a campaign fundraising trip next weekend, according to an event invite obtained from the Republican Party of Orange County website. His visit, slated for Aug. 10, is reported to be at an undisclosed location.
His hosts, however, are a small group of energy tycoons, investment executives, and well-established billionaires, according to the names revealed on the invite.
This includes:
- Jeff Hildebrand, founder of Hilcorp Energy Company. Hildebrand, reported to be the wealthiest person in Houston, has a net worth of $12.9 billion while Hilcorp is considered the largest privately-owned oil and natural gas producer in the U.S., according to Forbes. He owns a 1,000-acre ranch in Aspen formerly owned by John Denver.
- Carol and Larry Mizel, chairman and CEO of MDC Holdings and member of the Colorado Business Hall of Fame. MDC Holdings is a Fortune 500, Denver-based company specializing in building homes. In 2016, Mizel hosted a similar Trump campaign appearance in Aspen. The event was organized by The Starboard Group, a political and nonprofit consulting firm known for its influence in Republican fundraising in the western U.S.
- Hannah Buchan and Duke Buchan III, CEO and founder of Hunter Global Investors. Buchan III, recently leading Trump campaign fundraising efforts, donated more than $940,000 to Trump’s 2020 campaign and became National Finance Chair of the Republican Party in 2022. He was also U.S. ambassador to Spain and Andorra during the Trump administration. Hannah Buchan is the manager of Hunter Global.
- Warren Lichtenstein, executive chairman of Steel Partners Holdings. The global holding company accrued $1.9 billion in revenue while it yielded $154 million in net income in 2023, according to the entity’s website. Lichtenstein, known for his philanthropy, once gave his alma mater Tulane University a $1 million donation.
- Drew McKnight, co-chief executive officer of Fortress Investment Group. The U.S. investment firm cleared $48 billion in assets at the end of 2023. McKnight has also made guest appearances on CNBC’s “Last Call” and “Fast Money” to discuss commercial real estate and private credit issues.
- Andrew McKenna Jr., son of the late Andrew J. McKenna, former chair of McDonald’s and part owner of the Chicago Bears. McKenna Jr. is the former chair of the Illinois Republican Party and has run for the U.S. senate and governor of Illinois.
- Amy and John Phelan, founder and chairman of Rugger Management. This is a Palm Beach, Florida-based private investment firm. Phelan, Harvard Business School-educated, began his career as a Goldman Sachs investment analyst.
- Diane and Tom Smith, founder of Prescott Investors.
The goal of this event is to raise significant funds for Trump’s campaign and the Republican National Committee (RNC). Contributions are split between Trump’s campaign, political action committees, and the RNC. Donations are allocated to the Trump for President general election account, the Trump for President recount account, the Save America PAC, and the RNC, according to the Trump 47 Committee.
Trump’s Save America PAC is a leadership PAC, a type of political committee created or overseen by a candidate or federal officeholder. Unlike authorized committees, it operates independently and is not linked to any candidate’s official campaign committee. These PACs are frequently established by members of Congress and other political figures to support candidates vying for both federal and nonfederal positions.
The fundraiser, dubbed the “TRUMP 47 Dinner,” offers various levels of participation, ranging from $25,000 to $500,000 per couple. The highest tier, at $500,000, includes a spot on the Host Committee, a roundtable discussion, a photo opportunity, and VIP dinner seating.
Lower tiers offer perks such as photos and VIP seating for $100,000 and general dinner seating for $25,000.
Jon Kelly, Pitkin County Republican Party chair, spoke briefly to The Aspen Times for this story but was unable to comment on the event.
By: Westley Crouch I The Aspen Times I August 3, 2024
