Kelcy Warren, the billionaire behind Energy Transfer, has invested $5 million in Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, hoping for favorable energy policies if Trump wins.
Warren’s energy firm, Energy Transfer, built the Dakota Access Pipeline despite protests and profited during the 2021 Texas blackout.
A second Trump administration could ease regulations on natural gas exports and pipeline projects, boosting Warren's business.
Warren’s $5 million contribution makes him a top donor from the oil and gas industry to Trump.
Key quote:
“We have bad billionaire players that are only funding other billionaires ... to allow the destruction of Mother Earth.”
— Doug Crow Ghost, water resources director, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
Why this matters:
Warren's political donations could influence future energy policies that affect environmental regulations. Support for Trump aligns with oil and gas industry interests that face scrutiny under current climate policy goals.
Donald Trump and other ultrarich Americans have earned billions, but they’ve also managed to repeatedly avoid paying any federal income tax by claiming huge losses on their businesses.
Kelcy Warren, the Dallas billionaire known for controversial pipelines, is stepping down as chief executive officer of Energy Transfer. But if the move is anything like those of fellow moguls in the industry, he isn't going far.
