Billionaire and frequent Republican donor John Catsimatidis said Tuesday that he declined an appeal for funds from former Vice President Joe Biden, who is running for the Democratic nomination for president.
Catsimatidis, a supermarket mogul who is worth an estimated $3.1 billion, told CNBC that Biden approached him at a fundraiser being held at the home of investment manager Jim Chanos in New York. Catsimatidis said that when Biden asked for his support he “just smiled.”
He added that although he does admire Biden’s “common sense,” he will continue to support President Donald Trump in 2020.
“I think Joe Biden is the most common sense nominee of the 23 people running in the Democratic Party,” Catsimatidis said. “Monetarily, I did not commit to helping him but I will help him brotherly, on my radio show and with all my media contacts.”
According to CNBC, Chanos’ event was attended by almost 180 guests, and donors contributed $2,800. The Hill reports that Biden suggested at the event that his campaign has raised almost $20 million.
CNBC also notes that Catsimatidis donated over $116,000 to the 2016 Democratic nominee, Hillary Clinton, while also donating $100,000 to Trump Victory.
He wrote on Twitter on Tuesday: “On this great day of Trump kicking off his 2020 Campaign in Orlando I want to make it clear... Me and my family are supporting [Trump] 100 percent. We are fighting for the soul of America!”