Steve Wynn of Wynn Resorts Named Finance Chairman of the RNC

Wynn put aside his differences with Trump.

The latest appointment of casino mogul Steve Wynn as Finance Chairman of the Republican National Committee, came a surprise for many, bearing in mind the relationship between the casino boss and the new POTUS Mr Donald Trump. To say that the relations between the two haven’t been perfect is a bit of an understatement. But, perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised, we’re talking of people who have been involved in the gambling industry, after all, every gambler knows that the most probable thing doesn’t always happen.

Steve Wynn is the owner of Wynn Resorts and one of the most powerful men in the US and international casino industry. Last year, Wynn opened his casino complex in Macau and its value exceeded the value of the complex owned by Wynn’s biggest rival Sheldon Adelson, by one million.

Wynn and Trump Had Their Fair Share of Differences

President Trump was, at one point of his career, also active on the casino scene. He owned the Trump Taj Mahal Casino in Atlantic City and the casino kept ‘Trump’ in its name long after he sold it. After many problems, the owner Carl Icahn decided to close the casino in 2016 and it was finally closed in October.

But the tensions between Trump and Wynn didn’t arise only from the fact that the two were rivals in the casino industry. The two men have insulted each other in the past on several occasions and they have filed lawsuits against each other. Furthermore, Wynn supported one of Trump’s biggest rivals for the Republican Presidency, Senator Marco Rubio. Wynn donated more than $2,500 to Rubio and twice as much to a political action committee close to Rubio.

However, once Trump became the Republican candidate and eventually won the presidency it seemed that Wynn was ready to forgive the now-President and leave all the problems in the past. Trump who was looking for allies both within the GOP was also looking bury the hatchet and Wynn was soon named Vice-Chairman of the inaugural committee. Apparently, Trump was satisfied with the work of the committee, as it managed to raise a total of $100 million.

Nevada Republicans Seem Happy with the Decision

Wynn’s decision to kick designer Tom Ford and his shop out of his resort in Last Vegas after the designer refused to make clothes for the FLOTUS Mrs Melania Trump, was seen as a token of gratitude for Trump’s trust. Some may be keen on attacking Wynn for being unprincipled, but others have jumped to his defence.

The president of one of Nevada’s more influential Republican clubs, Mr Jim Lamb said that party affiliation in Las Vegas has less to do with ideology and more with practical and economic interest. It is quite clear why Wynn would want to have good relations with the President.

Most Republicans, especially Nevadan Republicans are quite happy with the fact that Wynn was appointed Finance Chairman. Senator Heller, Rep. of Nevada said that he is convinced that Wynn will make Nevada proud, adding that he has contributed a lot to the local community. John Weaver, another Republican influential figure was also pleased with the decision, claiming that he is sure in Wynn’s love for America and his dedication and hard work.