Vice president-elect JD Vance hosted a who’s who of Trump-world types Wednesday at a ritzy, $250,000-a-plate fundraiser in Palm Beach, Florida, according to a person who attended the event and was granted anonymity to disclose details about it.
The event, hosted at French restaurant Le Bilboquet, is an early example of Vance’s desire to position himself as heir-apparent to Trump and his “America First” political movement. Donald Trump Jr., who was key in his father’s decision to name Vance as his No. 2, attended.
Vance has been the presumed MAGA standard-bearer since Trump picked him as his running mate in July. But the fundraiser appears aimed at demonstrating he has not only the vision but the fundraising chops to inherit the Trump legacy.
Other attendees included billionaire investor John Paulson; the crypto tycoon Winklevoss twins; tech entrepreneur David Sacks; investment management veteran Josh Lobel; and GOP mega-donor Joe Craft. Also in attendance were Omeed Malik and Chris Buskirk, co-founders of the conservative fund 1789 Capital, the person said.
It’s a list that reflects some of the newer elements of the MAGA coalition, like the tech and crypto magnates. Old school and new school donors are breaking bread together, and their attendance at the fundraiser underscores the dollars they’re willing to put up to support the new iteration of the MAGA movement.
Proceeds from the event, expected to top seven figures, will go toward the Trump-aligned MAGA Inc. super PAC.
