Nicole Shanahan, a lawyer and running mate to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., could become one of the richest vice presidents in history if their campaign is successful in November. This wealth stems from her divorce settlement with Google founder Sergey Brin, in which she received over $1 billion. Shanahan’s financial situation was previously estimated at around $390 million in Alphabet shares based on public information about Brin’s involvement in the company.
Rumors of a romance between Shanahan and Tesla CEO Elon Musk surfaced, but both parties denied the claims. Reports indicated that the affair allegedly occurred after they both consumed ketamine at a party in Miami in late 2021, leading to Shanahan informing Brin and their subsequent separation and divorce filing in early 2022.
Using her wealth, Shanahan has supported Kennedy’s campaign by donating $10 million to a pro-Kennedy super PAC, as well as contributing $2 million to a group that secured a Super Bowl ad praising Kennedy’s family legacy. Despite some criticism from other Kennedy family members for exploiting the family name, Shanahan remains committed to the campaign.
Kennedy initially considered other potential running mates, such as Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers and former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura, before settling on Shanahan. There were also discussions with former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, who later shifted her focus to potentially joining former President Donald Trump’s ticket.
Rodgers revealed that he was not ready to retire from the NFL to enter politics, indicating that he had considered the option but preferred to continue playing. Kennedy’s main objective currently is to secure a debate between President Biden and Trump, which may offer him a chance to participate as a third-party candidate. However, it remains uncertain whether Kennedy will meet the necessary thresholds for debate participation and ballot access in time.
In conclusion, Nicole Shanahan’s significant wealth from her divorce settlement with Sergey Brin has fueled her support for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s campaign, positioning her as a key figure in the upcoming election. Her financial contributions and connections have played a crucial role in boosting Kennedy’s platform, despite facing challenges and controversies along the way. As the campaign progresses, all eyes will be on Shanahan and Kennedy as they navigate the political landscape towards a potential victory.
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https://www.businessinsider.com/nicole-shanahan-sergey-brin-divorce-elon-musk-money-rfk-jr-2024-5
