Pro-Trump billionaire Bill Ackman gives $250K to Andrew Cuomo mayoral campaign

Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman has donated $250,000 to a super PAC supporting Andrew Cuomo’s campaign for New York City mayor, according to recent campaign finance disclosures.

Ackman, a longtime Democrat who recently announced his support for President Trump, made the donation to Fix the City, a political action committee backing Cuomo, the former governor who has attracted the support of GOP-affiliated figures as he attempts a political comeback.

Ackman’s contribution, which was first reported by Politico, helped the pro-Cuomo PAC surpass $4.8 million in total fundraising, giving the former governor a considerable advantage over his more progressive rivals.

New Yorkers for Better Leadership, a super PAC formed to oppose Cuomo’s candidacy, reported only one qualifying contribution — a $1,000 donation from climate tech investor Thomas O’Keefe, Politico reported.

Other anti-Cuomo groups have raised limited funds as well.

New Yorkers for Lower Costs, which supports democratic socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani, has brought in just $56,500. Meanwhile, a group operating under the slogan “Don’t Rank Evil Andrew for Mayor” has reported a mere $10,500 in sizable contributions.

Fix the City, by comparison, has drawn 71 large donors since early March, including heavyweights in the real estate and business sectors.

Among the notable recent contributors: developers Kamran and Frederick Elghanayan of TF Cornerstone ($25,000 each); packaging magnate Dennis Mehiel ($50,000); and Andrew Sidamon-Eristoff, a Republican who served as New Jersey’s state treasurer under former Governor Chris Christie ($5,000).

These donations underscore Cuomo’s appeal to financial elites as he leads in early mayoral polls.

Ackman’s support further illustrates the unusual political alliances forming in the race.

Ackman, known for his outspoken views, has drawn criticism for opposing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, prompting regular protests from civil rights leader Al Sharpton.

Though he recently broke with Trump on tariffs, he quickly applauded the former president’s decision to delay new levies, calling it “brilliantly executed” and praising it as “Textbook, Art of the Deal.”

Ackman and Fix the City declined to comment on the donation.

His political activity has spanned both major parties. In addition to supporting Cuomo, he gave $2,034 to long-shot Democratic candidate Whitney Tilson, a fellow Harvard alum, and previously contributed $250,000 to a super PAC for Ray McGuire during the 2021 mayoral race.

Cuomo’s fundraising haul has drawn backlash from opponents who argue his donor base is out of step with progressive Democratic values.

“No one is surprised Trump agent Ackman is bankrolling Cuomo’s Super PAC,” said Dora Pekec, a spokesperson for City Comptroller and mayoral hopeful Brad Lander.

“Cuomo himself accepted thousands in donations from MAGA donors who helped elect Trump.”

Lauren Hitt, speaking for New Yorkers for Better Leadership, insisted there’s still room for a well-funded challenge.

“Cuomo is still very beatable,” she said. “His lead is primarily rooted in the fact that his challengers are virtually unknown.”

Earlier supporters of Fix the City include entertainment mogul Barry Diller, Walmart heir Alice Walton, and singer Billy Joel, a longtime friend of Cuomo.

The PAC is run by Steven Cohen, a longtime Cuomo confidant.

While mayoral candidates in the city’s matching funds program face a $2,100 donation cap, super PACs can accept unlimited contributions so long as they remain independent of the campaigns.

The Post has sought comment from Ackman and Cuomo.