Gina Rinehart seen at Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential bid announcement

The mining billionaire was seen in the background of an Instagram snap posted by Trump’s son Eric, who posed alongside his wife Lara.

Australia’s richest woman Gina Rinehart has surfaced at Donald Trump’s rally to announce his bid to return as US President.

The mining billionaire was seen in the background of an Instagram snap posted by Trump’s son Eric, who posed alongside his wife Lara.

Ms Rinehart, who has previously spoke of her support for Trump, was at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida for his announcement of his 2024 presidential bid.

Gina Rinehart went to the trump presidency announcement today Picture: Instagram/Eric Trump

It comes after Ms Rinehart made headlines when her mining company Hancock Prospecting scrapped a $15 million sponsorship deal with Netball Australia after some players were uncomfortable with her father’s comments about Aboriginal people.

In 2016, Ms Rinehart urged the Australian government to adopt the stimulatory policies being promised by US president-elect Donald Trump or risk following an “irresponsible’’ path of increasing government expenditure and debt.

She met with Trump allies Rudy Giuliani and Kellyanne Conway in Washington, DC, before he was elected in 2016.

The mining magnate also criticised the US media’s coverage of Mr Trump at the time, calling out the “constant and unrelenting negative coverage” of Mr Trump, “including at times his loyal supporters, such as his wife’’.

Former US President Donald Trump speaks at the Mar-a-Lago Club. (Photo by ALON SKUY / AFP)

Ms Rinehart’s Hancock Prospecting tore up its sponsorship deal with Netball Australia in October, slamming “virtue signalling” by sports teams.

Indigenous player Donnell Wallam was said to be uncomfortable wearing a uniform with the Hancock Prospecting logo due to comments made by Ms Rinehart’s father.

He infamously suggested in 1984 that Indigenous Australians should be sterilised to “breed themselves out” in coming years.

The company said in a statement: “Hancock and its executive chairman Mrs Rinehart consider that it is unnecessary for sports organisations to be used as the vehicle for social or political causes”.

“Firstly, because sport is at its best when it is focused on good and fair competition, with dedicated athletes striving for excellence to achieve their sporting dreams and to represent our country at their very best.

“Secondly, because there are more targeted and genuine ways to progress social or political causes without virtue signalling or for self-publicity. For example, the meaningful engagement with local Indigenous communities undertaken by Hancock’s Roy Hill Community Foundation in West Australia to support their actual needs.

“Thirdly, because there are more impactful means to make a beneficial difference. For example, Hancock’s holistic support for real programs including Hanrine Futures — that are providing a true pathway for Indigenous students through education and into employment where they are guaranteed a job should they wish, at the end of their training.

“The reality is that sponsorship is integral to sports organisations -- for full-time professionals right through to young children at the grassroots level — who rely on corporations investing the funds that enable all sports to not only survive, but thrive.

“Sadly, recent media does not help encourage sporting sponsorships. What can be lacking is a sufficient connection between sponsorship funds and the athletes themselves, with money unnecessarily wasted on administration and related costs. Which is why Hancock has, and will continue to insist, that the funds it provides to any sports it sponsors are spent on and for the athletes.

“Neither Hancock nor Mrs Rinehart have ever requested or insisted that athletes provide any thank you videos or messages -- although thank you videos and messages have certainly been received. Hancock and Mrs Rinehart would only ever want athletes to wear the Hancock logo if the athletes were proud to do so.

“Recent media misreporting has been disappointing, particularly given at no stage did Hancock insist its logo be worn on the Australian Diamonds‘ playing dress for the recent games in New Zealand, nor did the Australian Diamonds refuse to wear the Hancock logo.”

Originally published as Gina Rinehart seen at Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential bid announcement