President Joe Biden faces pressure from wealthy Democratic donors, including Disney heiress Abigail Disney, to withdraw from the presidential race following a poor debate performance.
Abigail Disney, granddaughter of Disney cofounder Roy O. Disney, announced she will withhold donations until Biden steps down, citing concerns over his ability to defeat former President Donald Trump. “If Biden does not step down, the Democrats will lose,” Disney stated. She highlighted Vice President Kamala Harris as a viable alternative.
The Democratic Party is reportedly in a state of panic after Biden’s debate against Trump. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, also urged Biden to step aside, citing his poor performance and unfavorable poll numbers. A New York Times/Sienna College poll showed Biden trailing Trump by six points among likely voters.
Other major donors have joined Disney in pausing contributions. Gideon Stein, president of the Moriah Fund, paused $3.5 million in planned donations, stating that a new candidate is needed to defeat Trump. Philanthropist Karla Jurvetson, one of the top 50 donors this cycle, hinted at similar actions during a private donor call, pausing over $5 million in contributions until Biden steps down.
Disney and other donors’ decision underscores a growing rift within the Democratic Party, calling for new leadership to secure a victory against Trump.