Tim Dunn, evangelical oil magnate, aims to boost Trump’s campaign

Billionaire Tim Dunn, a Texas oil mogul, is using his wealth to support Donald Trump's bid for the White House, reflecting his desire to influence national politics with his religious and conservative values.

Mike Soraghan reports for E&E News.


In short:

  • Tim Dunn, CEO of CrownRock, has contributed $5 million to Trump's campaign, making him one of Trump's top donors.
  • Dunn’s efforts have reshaped Texas politics, financing primary challenges to Republicans who don’t align with his conservative values.
  • He supports Project 2025, aiming to craft policies for a potential second Trump administration, and is preparing for more influence with an impending $2.2 billion from selling his company.

Key quote:

"The extremists want to deindustrialize America. They want to live in huts around a campfire.”

— Tim Dunn, CEO of CrownRock

Why this matters:

Dunn's involvement in politics emphasizes the increasing influence of wealthy individuals in shaping the country's political landscape. His contributions could amplify Trump's messaging and policy priorities, particularly those favoring the oil industry and conservative social policies. This alignment with Trump also highlights a trend among affluent conservatives who seek to steer the nation’s direction through substantial financial interventions.

A stack of wooden blocks that say CO2 with arrows pointing downward

A company funded by Bill Gates wants to capture BC's carbon

A northern B.C. village may become the home of a new carbon-storage facility built by a Bill Gates-backed American startup. Locals are skeptical but hopeful.

A perspiring woman fanning herself on a sunny day
Credit: A. C./Unsplash+

Why Europe is the fastest-warming continent

Europe is sweltering under an early heat wave that has broken records and claimed lives. What is happening to make it so hot?
The interior of a cement plant with funnels leading to conveyer belts

A shock to the system could slash cement’s emissions

By using electricity and recycled materials, researchers made a cement that cuts energy use by 70% and carbon dioxide emissions by as much as 98% compared with traditional cement production.

A hand blocking the sun's rays

With geoengineering, a fringe climate solution moves into the mainstream

Volcanic activity inspired the concept of solar engineering. One company says it can block the sun’s rays to cool the planet. But should it?
Exterior of a gray warehouse-type building

Video: How the AI boom is powered by legal loopholes and secret deals

Lured by prolific gas reserves and an industry-friendly government, AI companies have flocked to the Lone Star State in droves.

A gloved hand holding a petri dish

Our warming planet is a Petri dish for new and deadly microbes

As rising temperatures reshape ecosystems around the world, scientists are warning that bacteria, fungi, and other microbes are adapting in ways that could threaten human health.

Mosquito (Culex pipiens) with his stomach full of human blood sitting on mosquito netting
Credit: Birute Vijeikiene/BigStock Photo ID: 8097563

Aid cuts and climate change drive deadly malaria surge in Zimbabwe

A surge in malaria cases in Zimbabwe is exposing fragile health systems and growing treatment shortages in rural areas.
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.