Former President Donald Trump on Tuesday paid tribute to Home Depot co-founder Bernie Marcus, who passed away at the age of 95 on Monday.
Remembered as both a “legendary entrepreneur and political genius,” Marcus was widely recognized for his business achievements and long-time support of the Republican Party.
Marcus, who co-founded the home improvement giant Home Depot in 1978 alongside Arthur Blank, passed away surrounded by family in Boca Raton, Florida. Trump expressed his condolences in a message on Truth Social, acknowledging Marcus’s consistent support throughout his political campaigns and the financial backing he provided.
“He was my supporter from the beginning and was always there when I needed help or advice,” Trump said.
Marcus’s legacy in both business and politics spanned more than four decades. He was known for his contributions to conservative causes and candidates, donating millions to the Republican Party over the years. During the 2022 midterms, he contributed approximately $15.1 million to federal candidates and political action committees, and he previously donated nearly $25 million during the 2020 election cycle, according to data from OpenSecrets.
Beyond his political contributions, Marcus was highly regarded for his philanthropy. Home Depot, which he led as CEO through its early decades, praised Marcus in a statement, calling him a “master merchant and a retail visionary” whose contributions extended well beyond business. Marcus’s philanthropy included significant donations to Jewish causes, children’s health programs, and medical research, often channeled through The Marcus Foundation, which he founded.
Throughout his life, Marcus also contributed to large-scale projects, such as the Georgia Aquarium, one of the world’s largest, which he helped fund with a $250 million donation. He championed initiatives in support of free enterprise, medical research, and veterans’ services, further cementing his legacy as a philanthropist.
Bernie Marcus is survived by his wife, Billi Marcus, his son, Frederick, stepson Michael Morris, and seven grandchildren.
The New York Times, the Associated Press, and the Hill contributed to this report.
