The alternative to anyone but Trump becoming the 45th president, casino magnate Sheldon Adelson wrote, "is frightening." | AP Photo Sheldon Adelson endorses Donald Trump: His movement 'cannot be denied'

Megadonor and casino magnate Sheldon Adelson has formally announced his endorsement of presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump, conceding that while he does not agree with the real-estate mogul on every issue, he would be a much more suitable president than Hillary Clinton.

"While the primary cycle still has some important elections ahead, it is clear that Donald Trump will be the Republican nominee for president," Adelson wrote in a Washington Post op-ed published early Friday morning. "I am endorsing Trump’s bid for president and strongly encourage my fellow Republicans — especially our Republican elected officials, party loyalists and operatives, and those who provide important financial backing — to do the same."


The alternative to anyone but Trump becoming the 45th president, he wrote, "is frightening."

"If Republicans do not come together in support of Trump, [President Barack] Obama will essentially be granted something the Constitution does not allow — a third term in the name of Hillary Clinton," he wrote. "I’ve spent time talking to Donald Trump. Do I agree with him on every issue? No. But it’s unlikely that any American agrees with his or her preferred candidate on every issue."

Adelson drew upon his own background as the grandson of a Welsh coal miner and the son of a Boston cab driver, adding that he has had the "remarkable experience of being part of almost 50 different businesses in my more than 70-year business career."

Regardless of whether people feel he is conservative or too hawkish on Israel, Adelson opined, "I think I’ve earned the right to talk about success and leadership.

"You may not like Trump’s style or what he says on Twitter, but this country needs strong executive leadership more today than at almost any point in its history. The world is less secure than ever, and our allies have lost confidence in our ability to lead. The economy is not growing the way it should. The middle class is finding it harder and harder to get by," he wrote. "Trump has created a movement in this country that cannot be denied. He will end this primary election cycle having garnered more Republican primary votes for president than anyone before."