Ken Griffin, the billionaire hedge fund manager who founded Citadel, said he is undecided on who he will support in the Republican primary, but this does not mean he will support Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as a presidential candidate. It’s a sign of things.
“I’m still on the sidelines as to who I’m going to support this election cycle,” said Griffin, a longtime Republican donor. he told CNBC in an interview that will air Monday at 8 p.m. ET.
Griffin has indicated he hopes Republicans will nominate someone other than 77-year-old former President Donald Trump, who remains the clear front-runner despite mounting legal issues.
A recent Quinnipiac poll found Trump leading DeSantis among Republican voters by a 62% to 12% margin.
“If I had a dream, there would be great Republican candidates in the primaries who are younger, from a different generation, who have a different tone than America,” Griffin told CNBC about President Trump. He spoke with a hint.
“And in the primaries, we’re going to see more young people on the Democratic side to send a message to our country,” said the tycoon, who is estimated to be worth $35 billion.
As it stands, it appears the country will have to decide between President Trump and 80-year-old incumbent President Joe Biden next year.
Polls show voters are concerned about the president’s physical strength, and Biden’s age and apparent decline in mental health are sounding alarm bells for Democrats.
Griffin told CNBC that if both parties choose someone younger, “we’re going to be talking about the ideas and principles and policies that make this country great.”
“We’re not having those conversations right now.”
Mr. Griffin, who moved his hedge fund headquarters from deep-blue Chicago to Florida last year because of soaring crime and declining quality of life in the Windy City, endorsed Mr. DeSantis and said the Republican governor “plans to run.” insisted. It’s a record of an incredible feat. ”
Mr. Griffin donated $5 million to Mr. DeSantis’ successful re-election bid last year.
“Our country would benefit greatly from him as president,” he told Politico in November.
But the initial enthusiasm among Republican donors who welcomed the prospect of Mr. DeSantis’ candidacy has evaporated.
The Florida governor’s ineffective campaign and ongoing battle with Disney have worried pro-business Republican donors.
“[As a] First term governor — [DeSantis did] It’s just a phenomenal job,” Griffin said. “But it hasn’t worked out that way for the past few months.”
“I believe this ongoing battle with Disney is pointless,” Griffin continued. “The truth is, it doesn’t reflect well on the spirit of Florida.”
DeSantis strips Mouse House of semi-autonomy over theme parks in and around Orlando following Disney’s opposition to so-called “Don’t Tell Me I’m Gay” laws that ban sex and gender identity education for elementary school students took retaliatory measures.
Disney has filed a lawsuit against Florida’s governor, accusing him of violating the company’s First Amendment rights.
Mr. DeSantis also recently signed a sweeping bill that limits services for illegal immigrants and imposes penalties on businesses that employ them. The conservative Wall Street Journal editorial board criticized it as a “misfire.”
Griffin later issued a statement to CNBC saying, “As the presidential election unfolds, I am evaluating how each candidate’s policies will address the challenges facing our country.”
“I care deeply about individual rights and freedoms, economic policies that promote prosperity and upward mobility, access to a quality education for all children, ensuring the safety of our communities, and a strong national defense. .”
The Post has reached out to DeSantis for comment.
