Miriam Adelson: The Billionaire Power Broker Behind U.S. Policy Toward Israel
LONDON, U.K. – Former U.S.
President Donald Trump has praised Israeli-American businesswoman and
philanthropist Miriam Adelson, highlighting her behind-the-scenes
influence in shaping U.S. policy toward Israel and describing her as a
steadfast supporter of the country’s “security and prosperity.”
Speaking before members of the Israeli Knesset on Monday, Trump
pointed directly to Adelson, who was seated among the audience, saying: “She
loves Israel.” He credited Adelson and her late husband, Sheldon Adelson,
with playing a decisive role in some of his administration’s most consequential
Middle East moves — including the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s
capital in 2017, the relocation of the U.S. Embassy there in 2018,
and the endorsement of Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights
in 2019.
Trump joked about the couple’s influence in his inner circle: “Sheldon
would climb through the Oval Office window if the door wasn’t open,” he said,
drawing laughter from lawmakers. “Miriam’s got sixty billion dollars in the
bank — and I think she’s saying, enough already!”
The former president also noted Adelson’s quiet role in pressing his
administration to push for the return of Israeli hostages held in Gaza
before the latest cease-fire agreement. In 2018, Trump awarded her the Presidential
Medal of Freedom, one of the nation’s highest civilian honors, citing her
philanthropic and civic contributions.
Born in Haifa, Israel, in 1945, Adelson studied medicine at Tel Aviv
University and later specialized in neurology. After moving to the United
States, she and her husband founded the Adelson Clinics in Las Vegas and
Tel Aviv, which focus on addiction treatment and medical research.
Following Sheldon Adelson’s death in 2021, Miriam became the majority
shareholder of Las Vegas Sands, one of the world’s largest casino and
resort companies. Her estimated net worth now ranges between $30 billion and
$35 billion, placing her among the wealthiest women in the world.
Adelson remains one of the Republican Party’s most influential donors,
contributing tens of millions of dollars to Trump’s presidential campaigns in
2016 and 2020. Beyond her political giving, she is viewed as one of the most
powerful figures in shaping U.S.-Israel relations.
In 2018, the Israeli government honored her with the Medal of Zionism
(Order of Zion) for her “unwavering commitment to the State of Israel.”
