Billionaire Miriam Adelson, who donated $106 million to President Trump’s 2024 election bid, has donated to the campaign of Ed Gallrein, the Trump-endorsed GOP challenger running against incumbent Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY). (Massie, the lead Republican on congressional efforts to release the Epstein files, disagrees with a number of the President’s policies, including sending military aid to Israel.)
As seen below, at an event hosted by the Israeli American Council, Adelson was asked how she builds and maintains relationships with state and federal politicians beyond writing checks. The host noted, “There is more than just writing checks, so how do you do it?”
When Adelson replied, “Can you allow me not to answer?”, the host smiled and said, “You choose.”
When Adelson added, “I want to be truthful, and there are so many things I don’t want to talk about,” the audience applauded and the host said, “We don’t want specifics, but that’s okay.”
One of the billionaires supporting my primary opponent was asked on stage this week how she buys and influences American politicians. Here’s the video:pic.twitter.com/B1iNKXno98
— Thomas Massie for Congress (@MassieforKY) January 19, 2026
Massie is amplifying the video on social media, adding: “One of the billionaires supporting my primary opponent was asked on stage this week how she buys and influences American politicians.”
Adelson is one of three pro-Israel billionaires funding the super PAC, MAGA KY, with hedge fund managers Paul Singer of New York and John Paulson of Florida. “MAGA KY is committed to spending whatever is necessary to defeat Thomas Massie and replace him with a Congressman that will work [for] President Trump — rather than with radical leftists,” said Chris LaCivita, the Trump-aligned consultant who runs the PAC.
Note: Adelson’s tools of influence aren’t always kept secret — sometimes word gets out. In December in an appearance with Adelson, President Trump claimed that she offered him $250 million to run for a third term, which is not legal according to the Constitution.
Adelson, who was born in Tel Aviv, was married to casino magnate and major Israel supporter Sheldon Adelson until his death in 2021. The Boston-born businessman and City College of New York graduate is buried in Jerusalem.
I’ve got good news to share. I drew top spot on the May 19th primary ballot. In a race where name ID is high, research shows this gives a 1 to 2 percent advantage. pic.twitter.com/1Agh83r18R
— Thomas Massie for Congress (@MassieforKY) January 19, 2026