LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, known for his Democratic affiliations, made a surprising move by donating $250,000 to a super PAC supporting former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, a Republican presidential candidate.
This donation to SFA Fund Inc., a leading Haley-aligned super PAC, was first reported by the New York Times and later confirmed to Fox News Digital by Dmitri Mehlhorn, Hoffman’s political adviser. Hoffman himself declined to comment on the donation.
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Haley’s increasing momentum in Republican race
This financial support comes amidst Haley’s increasing momentum in the Republican primary race, marked by a noticeable surge in the polls. Interestingly, Hoffman, a staunch supporter of President Joe Biden, clarified his stance in a recent LinkedIn blog post.
Despite backing Haley’s campaign, he remains committed to voting for Biden in the 2024 election. “I will enthusiastically vote for Joe Biden,” Hoffman stated, praising Biden as a “good man and politician” and highlighting his successful presidency during a crisis.
Hoffman intent on seeing Trump defeated
Hoffman’s support for Haley, despite his allegiance to Biden, is rooted in his priority for American democracy and the legal system, particularly in defeating former President Donald Trump.
In his post, he emphasized the importance of the primary as a critical opportunity to challenge Trump.
Hoffman also critiqued Trump’s potential nomination, warning of the significant support Trump would receive, including financial backing and the backing of the national Republican apparatus, which could pose a threat to American democracy and the rule of law.
Trump, DeSantis’s campaigns criticize the donation
The donation sparked criticism from Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s campaign, highlighting Haley’s support from “Democrat billionaires.”
Trump commented on this during a Fox News Channel town hall, while DeSantis’s press secretary, Bryan Griffin, labeled Haley as a liberal in line with the interests of such donors.
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Haley’s policies under the spotlight
Griffin contrasted DeSantis’s conservative stance with Haley’s purported liberal policies, such as corporate-driven immigration policy, favorable positions towards China, tax increases, and government regulation of social media.
Fox News Digital reached out to SFA Fund Inc. regarding the donation but received no response. Likewise, Haley’s campaign has not immediately responded to inquiries about the donation or the criticism it has attracted.
Amidst these developments, Haley has gained significant traction in the presidential race.
Her recent performances in the GOP presidential primary debates have been well-received, and she has secured a series of strong endorsements, including from Americans for Prosperity Action, part of the influential network founded by the Koch Brothers.
Additionally, she has garnered over 70 new endorsements in Iowa and launched a $10 million advertising campaign in key states like Iowa and New Hampshire.
Currently, Haley is positioned ahead of DeSantis in New Hampshire and South Carolina and is neck-and-neck with him in Iowa. However, both remain far behind Trump in the overall race as he leads the Republican field in his third White House bid.
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