Bill Ackman
William Albert Ackman (born May 11, 1966) is an American billionaire hedge fund manager, investor, and philanthropist. He is the founder and CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management, a New York-based hedge fund known for its activist investment strategies and strong performance in equities.
Ackman has gained prominence for his outspoken advocacy on issues including campus antisemitism, support for law enforcement, strong backing of Israel's self-defence, and criticism of progressive policies such as wealth taxes and certain university diversity initiatives. A Harvard University alumnus, he has been a vocal critic of perceived institutional failures at elite universities, particularly in addressing antisemitism following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel. Ackman endorsed Donald Trump in the 2024 U.S. presidential election and has described Trump as "the most pro-business president we've ever had."[1] He has also made significant donations supporting immigration enforcement officers and pro-business, anti-progressive causes.[2]
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Early life and education
Ackman was born in New York and graduated from Harvard College with a Bachelor of Arts degree magna cum laude. He later earned an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Career
Ackman founded Pershing Square Capital Management in 2004. The firm employs an activist approach, taking significant stakes in companies to influence management and unlock shareholder value. Notable investments have included positions in Alphabet, Chipotle, and real estate ventures. In recent years, Ackman has pursued diversified strategies, including a major bet on insurance to transform Howard Hughes Holdings into a holding-company model akin to Berkshire Hathaway.[3]
Philanthropy and activism
Ackman and his wife, scientist Neri Oxman, acquired a nearly 5% stake in the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange in 2024, which Ackman described as "one of the best investments" of his life, citing Israel's economic resilience amid regional conflict.[4] He has been a staunch supporter of Israel' self-defense, visiting the country, ringing the opening bell at the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, and speaking out against rising antisemitism globally.
Ackman has donated significantly to causes aligned with law enforcement and border security. In 2026, he contributed $10,000 to a GoFundMe supporting an ICE agent involved in a defensive shooting during a traffic stop, emphasizing the principle of "innocent until proven guilty" and criticizing media portrayals.[5]
Criticism of universities
As a prominent Harvard alumnus, Ackman led high-profile criticism of Harvard's leadership following the October 7, 2023, attacks and subsequent campus unrest. He called for the resignation of then-President Claudine Gay over her handling of antisemitism complaints and congressional testimony responses, describing them as reflecting "moral bankruptcy." His efforts highlighted concerns about free speech, DEI policies, and institutional bias, earning praise from conservative outlets for challenging elite academia.[6]
Political views
Historically a donor to Democratic causes, Ackman shifted support in recent years, endorsing Trump in 2024 after criticizing Democratic policies on Israel, immigration, and business. He has warned against progressive proposals like California's wealth tax, predicting catastrophic exodus of entrepreneurs and capital.[7] Ackman has also opposed certain left-wing candidates in local races, such as contributing to efforts against progressive figures in New York City politics, case in point, Islamo-Socialiat Zohran Mamdani.[8]
Personal life
Ackman is married to Neri Oxman. He is active on social media, particularly X, where he frequently discusses investments, politics, and cultural issues.
References
- ↑ Bill Ackman calls Trump the 'most pro-business president we've ever had' (October 21, 2025).
- ↑ Billionaire Bill Ackman donates $10K to GoFundMe for ICE agent who fatally shot Renee Nicole Good (January 11, 2026).
- ↑ Bill Ackman bets $2.1B on insurer in bid to turn Howard Hughes into mini-Berkshire (December 18, 2025).
- ↑ Bill Ackman talks about 'best investment,' Oct. 7 and rise of antisemitism (September 9, 2025).
- ↑ Billionaire Bill Ackman defends controversial $10K donation to ICE agent who fatally shot Renee Nicole Good (January 13, 2026).
- ↑ 'I Am Sorry': Harvard President Does Damage Control on Disastrous Anti-Semitism Testimony (December 8, 2023).
- ↑ Billionaire Bill Ackman warns 'no one would stay' if California implements wealth tax (December 30, 2025).
- ↑ Ackman: Cuomo likely to win NYC mayoral election in one-on-one race with Mamdani (September 14, 2025).
