A brief introduction to the real estate magnate and GOP megadonor Harlan Crow.
Harlan Crow is a prominent figure in the American business and political landscape. He is the chairman of Crow Holdings, a private family business that manages the investments of the Trammell Crow family, one of the most successful real estate dynasties in the country. He is also a generous donor to Republican causes and candidates, as well as a close friend of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.
Crow's father, Trammell Crow, was a legendary real estate developer who founded Trammell Crow Co. in 1948 and built some of the most iconic projects in Dallas, Atlanta, San Francisco and other cities. Harlan Crow joined his father's company in 1974 and became its president in 1988. He later spun off Crow Holdings as a separate entity to oversee the family's diverse portfolio of real estate, securities and other businesses.
Crow Holdings has almost $29 billion in assets under management, including multifamily, industrial and office properties. One of its most notable projects is the renovation and expansion of Old Parkland, a historic hospital campus in Dallas that has been transformed into a financial center with historic and newly built offices. Crow Holdings also invests in other sectors, such as energy, hospitality and health care.
Crow is a staunch supporter of conservative principles and policies. He has donated millions of dollars to Republican candidates, committees and organizations over the years, including former President George W. Bush, Sen. Ted Cruz, Gov. Greg Abbott and the American Enterprise Institute. He also serves on the board of directors of the George W. Bush Presidential Center and the Hoover Institution.
Crow's friendship with Justice Thomas dates back to the early 1990s, when they met at a conference organized by the American Enterprise Institute. Since then, Crow has hosted Thomas and his wife Ginni at his various properties, including his 162-foot superyacht, his private plane and his luxury retreats in New York and Georgia. Crow also helped Ginni Thomas launch Liberty Central, a conservative advocacy group, with a $500,000 donation in 2009.
Crow's relationship with Thomas has raised ethical questions about whether the justice should have disclosed these gifts or recused himself from cases involving Crow's interests. According to a recent report by ProPublica, Thomas did not report any of these gifts on his annual financial disclosure forms or on his judicial ethics forms. Crow has defended his hospitality to Thomas as no different from what he extends to his other dear friends, and said he never sought to influence Thomas on any legal or political issue.
Harlan Crow is a powerful and influential figure who has shaped the real estate and political landscape of America. He is a successful businessman, a generous philanthropist and a loyal friend. He is also a controversial figure who has faced scrutiny for his ties to Justice Thomas and his role in advancing conservative causes.
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