Those who've followed his career have long known it: Sheldon Adelson almost always gets what he pays for.

Whether it's carpet for a new resort or a key vote from a pet politician, Adelson is all about ROI — return on investment. It's something The New York Times recently chronicled in its pages in a rare focus on the multibillionaire casino king and his complex alliance with President Donald Trump.

Now ProPublica's Justin Elliott has shined an even more intense light on the Adelson-Trump relationship. Published in association with WNYC, "Trump's Patron-in-Chief" furthers the narrative of the political investment strategy of one of the world's wealthiest men. With an "Israel First" agenda, Adelson pumped millions into Trump's 2016 presidential campaign at a time few in America's billionaire class took his candidacy seriously.

In the wake of Trump's historic victory, Adelson immediately began seeing his investment bear fruit. Trump made good on his promise to Adelson to move the American embassy to Jerusalem and cut aid to Palestinian refugees, decisions that pleased the Vegas king but infuriated many U.S. allies. The appointment of Iran hard-liner John Bolton as Trump's national security adviser gave Adelson another reason to smile. Any dream of a two-state solution for the Israelis and Palestinians is more distant than ever, and few find the Middle East more stable in the Trump-Adelson era.

But as much as Adelson might be heralded for his undying loyalty to Israel, you don't amass one of the planet's largest fortunes by buying bonds and planting trees. Adelson has long used his political investments to gain the kind of access and action that furthers his business interests. We've seen it often in Nevada, where his influence is essentially unchecked. Now it's playing out on the world stage.

As ProPublica reports, having his arm around the president appears to place him far ahead of the competition -- and paints Trump as something of a high-priced messenger boy in the relationship.

Casino companies have worked for years to build relationships in Japan, considered one of the last great untapped gaming markets: Not only to develop players but also to prepare for the eventuality of legalization. That time has come, and Adelson is one of many casino CEOs vying for a coveted gaming license.

Did the president go out of his way to tout Adelson's casino bid during a February 2017 meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe?

ProPublica reports, "'It was totally brought up out of the blue,' according to one of the people briefed on the exchange. 'They were a little incredulous that he would be so brazen.' After Trump told Abe he should strongly consider Las Vegas Sands for a license, 'Abe didn't really respond, and said thank you for the information,' this person said."

Access has its advantages, obviously, but the image of a president shilling for a casino operator — even one who helped get him elected — is bound to raise eyebrows. Some might even find it offensive.

With the Democrats threatening to move into the majority in the House, Adelson has pumped a reported $55 million into Republican campaigns to ensure Trump remains comfortable for the next two years. If that sounds like a lot, it's pocket change compared to the estimated $1.2 billion Adelson saved thanks to Trump's ballyhooed tax cuts.

While some may cheer Trump's business promotion and Adelson's moxy, the jeers over the Japan lobbying effort have already begun. Esquire columnist Jack Holmes is one of many: "Here's the President of the United States, using a summit meeting with another world leader to lobby for his crony's business interests—directly and without a lick of shame. This is pay-for-play corruption, pure and simple, the kind that has always dogged our politics—and been unleashed in the era of unlimited political spending after the Citizens United decision—but which usually is conducted with a bit of finesse."

But finesse is an antiquated notion in the Trump White House. He's risen to power, and he's using it to champion his friends and punish his enemies.

It's more clear than ever that Trump has no greater friend than Sheldon Adelson. And the feeling seems mutual.

Disclosure: Sheldon Adelson once sued John L. Smith into bankruptcy before the lawsuit was dismissed.

 

John L. Smith is an author and longtime Nevada columnist. Contact him at [email protected]. On Twitter: @jlnevadasmith.