Title: Conservative Billionaire Network Seeks to Stop Trump in 2024 Republican Primary
Subtitle: Americans for Prosperity Action, backed by the Koch network, raises $70 million to fund Trump opponents
Date: July 3, 2023
In a surprising turn of events, a conservative billionaire network known as Americans for Prosperity Action, established by Charles and David Koch, is reportedly working to prevent former President Donald Trump from winning the 2024 Republican primary. According to a recent report by The New York Times, the network plans to spend money for the first time on the primary race and has already raised over $70 million to support candidates who can help move the Republican party past the influence of Mr. Trump.
The aim of the network, which played a significant role in backing Republican candidates and causes during the 2020 election cycle, is to pave the way for a new chapter in the party’s future. Emily Seidel, a top official in the network, wrote a memo to donors emphasizing the need for a president in 2025 who represents a fresh start.
Despite Florida Governor Ron DeSantis being the only Republican with competitive numbers against Trump, Americans for Prosperity Action has not yet decided who they will field in their mission to prevent Trump from challenging President Joe Biden in 2024.
The network’s intention to move away from Trump aligns with recent developments in the political landscape. A senior adviser on Trump’s 2020 campaign, Mike Roman, is reportedly cooperating with federal prosecutors in the criminal investigation into efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Additionally, on Thursday, a US district judge rejected Trump’s claims of absolute immunity from a defamation lawsuit filed by E Jean Carroll, clearing the way for Carroll to pursue around $10 million in damages from the former president.
In the face of growing discontent within the party, Trump has accused DeSantis of disloyalty by pursuing his presidential campaign. However, DeSantis responded during a Fox News interview, asserting that no politician is entitled to support from anyone, including a former president.
The conservative network’s efforts to stop Trump come at a critical time for the Supreme Court, which recently overturned key policies, including race-based admissions in universities. Despite these rulings, President Biden has stated that expanding the Supreme Court would be a mistake.
It remains to be seen which candidate Americans for Prosperity Action will ultimately support, but their entrance into the primary race could significantly impact the trajectory of the Republican party as they strive to chart a new course for the future.
In a political landscape defined by shifting alliances and a desire for change, the battle for the Republican nomination in the upcoming presidential election promises to be an intriguing clash of ideologies and aspirations.