Who is Israel-loyal Miriam Adelson, praised by Trump at the Knesset?
U.S. President Donald Trump praised Israeli billionaire Miriam Adelson during a speech at the Knesset, highlighting her decades-long financial support and influence over Republican politics.
Israel-loyal Miriam Adelson, a major backer of Trump and pro-Israel policies, has played a key role in shaping U.S.-Israel relations.
From Physician to Billionaire
Born in Tel Aviv in 1945 to a family that emigrated from Poland, Miriam Adelson trained as a physician specializing in addiction treatment. Her life changed in 1991 when she married Sheldon Adelson, the owner of Las Vegas Sands. Together, they built a global empire of casinos, hotels, and resorts across the U.S. and Asia.
Following Sheldon Adelson’s death in 2021, Miriam took majority control of Las Vegas Sands, overseeing properties in Singapore and Macau. In 2023, she also acquired a majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks basketball team, expanding her influence into sports.
A Major Force in Republican Politics
Since the 2010s, the Adelsons have been among the most powerful financial backers of the U.S. right-wing. They donated more than $600 million to Trump’s three presidential campaigns and other Republican candidates. In 2024, Miriam Adelson alone contributed $106 million to the Trump-aligned super PAC Preserve America. Trump awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2018 in recognition of her support.
During his Knesset speech, Trump acknowledged their influence, saying, “Miriam and Sheldon came to the Oval Office more than anyone else. They pressured me for Israel, and I listened.”
Behind Key U.S.-Israel Decisions
The Adelsons played a critical role in the Trump administration’s decisions regarding Israel. They influenced the U.S. embassy move from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and lobbied for recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. Trump noted in his Knesset speech, “We did a lot for Israel. Miriam had a big part in that.”
Hardline Stance After October 7
Following the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, Adelson publicly condemned critics of Israel. In her Israel Hayom column, she described Hamas supporters in the West as “our enemies” and said, “For them, death is necessary.” She also criticized pro-Palestinian university protests in the U.S., calling them “radical, extreme, and orchestrated by career agitators.”
Advocating a “Sacred Duty”
In a September fundraising event, Adelson urged Jewish voters to support Trump, calling it a “sacred duty.” She said, “We are grateful for everything he has done and trust what he will do next.” Today, Miriam Adelson is regarded as an influential figure not only because of her wealth but also due to her impact on Republican decision-making and U.S.-Israel policy.