Oracle employees expressed dismay on learning that co-founder and Chairman Larry Ellison would host a high-dollar fundraiser for President Trump at his California home.
When employees learned on Thursday that billionaire Ellison would host the president and supporters at Porcupine Creek, his 249-acre property by the Santa Rosa mountains, they began to express frustration among themselves and with outside friends, sharing links to stories about the event, according to a report.
“Oracle is not supposed to be political, but yet our CEO is doing something very political, no?” said one current Oracle employee. “This fundraiser is a slap in the face to all of us, especially as Larry champions the environment and is building a hospital,” the person said, citing Ellison’s philanthropic efforts. “This shows that he cares about money over all else. And that is what matters. But what is the average employee to do?”
The event on Wednesday is part of Trump’s fundraising and campaign swing through California, Arizona, and Nevada next week. The high-profile appearances he will stage are also designed to take some wind from the sails of the Democrats duking it out ahead of the Nevada caucus and high-delegate Super Tuesday states.
The 18,430-square-foot home’s golf course was designed by billionaire former owner Tim Blixseth and professional golfers Tom Weiskopf, Dave Stockton, and Annika Sorenstam. When the property hit the market in 2010, Trump was floated as a potential buyer.
“It signals what I and many others have always feared,” one current employee told Recode. “Culturally, Oracle is the type of place where you’ll work with many lovely people who you share common ideals with, but those ideals have to be left at the door in service of the company.”
Ellison has given to Republican candidates and causes since 1993, including at least $4 million to super PACs supporting Florida Sen. Marco Rubio in 2016.
The event is a joint fundraiser with the Republican National Committee, with several donor tiers. For $250,000, supporters can join a roundtable discussion, a golf outing, and take a photo with the president.
