The campaign website of Democrat Dean Phillips, the Minnesota congressman challenging Joe Biden for the Democrat nomination in 2024, recently underwent adjustments after receiving an endorsement from billionaire investor Bill Ackman, as reported by The New York Times.
Ackman, a vocal critic of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, directed scrutiny at DEI initiatives in higher education in recent months. In a Twitter statement on January 13, Ackman not only endorsed Phillips but also announced a $1 million donation to the super PAC “We Deserve Better,” formed to support Phillips over Biden in 2024, in addition to the maximum $3,300 contribution to the Phillips campaign.
In his endorsement, Ackman portrayed Phillips as a candidate Republicans would “respect” and highlighted his commitment to a bipartisan cabinet. He praised Phillips for having “sensible” ideas to address significant national challenges.
Ackman’s endorsement prompted observations about Phillips’ campaign website featuring a section on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, contrasting with Ackman’s opposition to DEI. Responding to this, Ackman noted that Rep. Phillips had recently grasped the concept of DEI, expecting a revision to the DEI statement.
As predicted by Ackman, the campaign website was promptly updated by Tuesday evening. The section on “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” was revised to “Equity and Restorative Justice.”
In a subsequent interview, Ackman clarified that he had shared articles with Rep. Phillips, including a January 14 column in The New York Times by conservative David French on the risks of DEI. Ackman aimed to help Phillips distinguish between the “DEI movement” and the principles of diversity and inclusion supported by both Ackman and Phillips.
