Billionaire Don Hankey Underwrites $175 Million Appeal Bond for Donald Trump and More Insights into His Business Empire

Billionaire Don Hankey Saves Donald Trump with $175 Million Appeal Bond

In a surprising turn of events, billionaire Don Hankey stepped in to underwrite a $175 million appeal bond for former President Donald Trump. Hankey, whose net worth is estimated at $7.4 billion, oversees a massive $22.5 billion automotive empire through his company, Hankey Group.

Hankey’s Knight Specialty Insurance provided the bond for Trump just three days before the deadline, ensuring that the former president’s assets would not be sold off while he appeals his civil fraud case. This is not the first time Hankey has been linked to helping Trump, as he previously invested in Axos Bank, which refinanced Trump Tower for $100 million in 2022.

Despite his past support for Trump, Hankey insists that his decision to provide the bond was purely a business move and not politically motivated. He told Bloomberg that he has never met or spoken to Trump directly.

Aside from his involvement in the Trump bond, Hankey made headlines for his investment in the Bel Air megamansion known as “The One.” The property, developed by Nile Niami, faced financial troubles and ultimately sold for less than half of its expected value in an auction.

Hankey’s empire includes Westlake Financial Services, a subprime financing company worth $16.8 billion, as well as Hankey Investment Company LP, which owns significant commercial property in Southern California.

Despite his immense wealth and business success, Hankey’s roots are humble, having started as a car washer and salesman at his father’s Ford dealership. He attended the University of Southern California and currently resides in Malibu with his wife of 40 years, Debbie Hankey.

With his latest financial move to support Trump, Hankey continues to make waves in the business and political worlds.