Gina Rinehart spotted at Donald Trump US presidential campaign launch

Australia’s richest person was outed as an attendee of Donald Trump’s campaign launch courtesy of an inadvertent social media post.

Donald Trump at the Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida, on Wednesday. Picture: AFP

Australia’s richest person, Gina Rinehart, has been outed as an attendee of Donald Trump’s latest presidential campaign launch courtesy of an inadvertent social media post by Eric Trump.

Mrs Rinehart, wearing her signature pearl necklace, is seated behind Eric Trump and his wife, Lara, in a selfie posted to Instagram by the former US president’s third child.

Donald Trump earlier on Wednesday used an event at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida to confirm he would run for president in 2024.

The iron ore magnate, who is estimated to be worth $US21.9bn ($32.4bn), appeared to have secured a prime position for herself at the launch, given her proximity to Eric Trump.

And while the most proximal seats at such events will typically be reserved for key financial backers, US laws prevent foreign nationals from making any kind of contribution or donation in connection with any federal, state or local election.

Mrs Rinehart has long had a close association with the conservative side of politics and has previously praised Mr Trump.

Gina Rinehart, centre, is pictured at Donald Trump's event at Mar-a-lago where he announced his intention to run for president in 2024. Pictured in the foreground are Trump's son Eric and his wife, Lara.

In a statement posted to the website of her company Hancock Prospecting shortly before Mr Trump was sworn in as president, titled “Gina Rinehart: Donald Trump shows us the way to succeed”, she praised his plans to reduce government tape and taxation. She also said at the time that she had met members of Mr Trump’s campaign team, including former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani and campaign manager Kellyanne Conway.

In Australia, Mrs Rinehart has long been a champion for the likes of former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce and speaking out against climate change “propaganda”. Her private companies have also recruited several former Liberal Party figures after they have left parliament.

During the most recent federal election campaign, Mrs Rinehart agreed to speak at a fundraiser being held by members of the WA Liberal Party’s Curtin division. The event caused divisions within the party – the Liberal incumbent in Curtin at the time, Celia Hammond, was in a fierce and ultimately unsuccessful battle with teal independent Kate Chaney – and was ultimately cancelled in response to the state’s growing Covid outbreak.

Hancock Prospecting was contacted for comment.