ICYMI: New York Times: Oil Interests Gave More Than $75 Million to Trump PACs, New Analysis Shows

Washington, D.C. — Today, the New York Times reported that oil and gas interests have given over $75 million in donations to support Donald Trump and have spent another $80 million on independent ads in key states. Earlier this year, Trump asked oil executives for $1 billion for his campaign while promising to implement their agenda if elected, which would give the industry $110 billion in tax breaks. 

New York Times: Oil Interests Gave More Than $75 Million to Trump PACs, New Analysis Shows

Oil and gas interests have given an estimated $75 million to Donald J. Trump’s presidential campaign, the Republican National Committee and affiliated committees, far more than has been previously known, according to a new analysis of federal campaign data.

The billionaires Harold Hamm of Continental Resources, Kelcy Warren of Energy Transfer Partners and Jeffery Hildebrand of Hilcorp Energy Co. are among the highest-profile oil and gas contributors to Mr. Trump, giving along with their spouses and companies more than $15 million this cycle.

But the total amount of money flowing to Mr. Trump and his allies from donors with links to fossil fuels is more than five times greater, according to an analysis by the environmental group Climate Power. It comes from mine operators, shipbuilders, engineering firms, hedge funds and little-known oil producers.

That is just the campaign cash that can be found in public records; donations made to nonprofits such as 501(c)(4) organizations, also known as dark money, are usually not publicly disclosed.

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“Donald Trump’s support from the oil industry runs far deeper than people realize,” said Alex Witt, a senior adviser on oil and gas for Climate Power. “There’s so many lesser-known, ultrawealthy oil executives who have paid up, oil services companies and others who have major holdings in the oil industry. They all have one thing in common. They are paying up for this $1 billion request that Donald Trump made because he has promised to do everything in his power to protect their profits.”

Beyond money directly to Mr. Trump and his super PACs and legal fund, major oil and gas companies and trade groups also have spent nearly $80 million on independent advertising this election cycle, according to Climate Power.

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Some trade groups are running ads in swing states, like those from the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers, which represents petroleum refiners, that accuse the Biden administration of “rushing to ban new gas-powered cars.” The ad is referring to the Biden administration’s limits on carbon emissions from new automobiles, which do not constitute a ban.

Those ads are appearing in Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Arizona, Nevada, Ohio and Montana, all states that are pivotal in this election to control of the White House or the U.S. Senate.