A key financier who once supported Nikki Haley’s presidential aspirations has now redirected his backing towards former President Donald Trump, marking a remarkable shift in political alliances.
Warren Stephens, CEO of Stephens Inc., will serve as a co-chair of the Trump 47 Committee’s Inaugural Leadership Dinner, according to an updated invitation obtained by The Epoch Times.
The event, scheduled for April 6 in Palm Beach, Florida, will see President Trump in attendance, alongside prominent figures like Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, all of whom vied for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024.
Warren Stephens (Credits: Roby Brock/YouTube)
Stephens, along with some of his relatives, had been a supporter of Nikki Haley’s bid for the GOP’s presidential nomination in 2024. Federal Election Commission records reveal that Stephens and his wife, Harriet Stephens, contributed $2 million to the SFA Fund Inc., a hybrid political action committee backing Haley’s candidacy in 2023. In January 2024, they collectively donated $1 million to the same fund.
The Trump 47 fundraiser, co-hosted by John Paulson, is anticipated to generate $43 million in support of President Trump, the Republican National Committee, and various Republican interests across the United States. Stephens’ involvement as a co-chair, alongside other influential GOP donors, underscores the importance of his transition in support from Haley to Trump.
This shift in allegiance comes at a crucial time for President Trump and his potential opponent, President Joe Biden, as they vie for support from former Haley backers. President Trump, who previously suggested that donors supporting Haley would be excluded from his camp, now appears keen on attracting their support.
G. H. Palmer Associates (Credits: ghpalmer.com)
Meanwhile, recent Federal Election Commission disclosures indicate President Biden’s campaign maintains a financial advantage over President Trump. It remains to be seen whether other major donors, like Ken Griffin and Paul Singer, who previously supported Haley’s bid, will also support President Trump in the months ahead.
The updated invitation for the Trump 47 fundraiser also introduces two new names: Geoffrey Palmer and Kelcy Warren. Palmer, the owner of G. H. Palmer Associates, has contributed $1 million to a super PAC supporting President Trump.
At the same time, Warren, executive chairman of Energy Transfer LP, has a history of donating to Republican causes and candidates, including America First Action. Warren’s involvement in the fundraiser underscores the breadth of support President Trump is garnering among major donors.
