Scientology’s largest donor gives $1 million to DeSantis’ PAC to fight marijuana legalization, abortion

A political committee affiliated with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has received a $1 million donation from Trish Duggan, a prominent Scientologist, as part of an effort to block marijuana legalization and abortion rights.

Trish Duggan, translation: Trish Duggan

The Florida Freedom Fund, chaired by DeSantis campaign chief James Uthmeier, raised $1.11 million from Aug. 24 to 30, with Duggan making up the bulk of the funds. The committee now has nearly $3.49 million, according to state election records. That’s less than 5% of the $82.6 million raised by Smart & Safe Florida, the group behind Amendment 3, as of the end of August.

Duggan, a Belleair Shores resident, is known as the Church of Scientology’s biggest donor. She and her ex-husband, billionaire Bob Duggan, have given more than $360 million to the church and were key financial backers in its secret land acquisitions in Clearwater.

The Florida Freedom Fund, launched in May, is focused on defeating two upcoming referendum initiatives: Amendment 3, which would legalize recreational marijuana, and Amendment 4, which would include a right to abortion in the state constitution.

Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump has expressed support for Amendment 3, pledging to vote to legalize marijuana in November. Trump also recently backed a move to federally reclassify marijuana and pass federal marijuana banking legislation.