Former President Donald Trump’s campaign raised $50.5 million at a fundraiser in Palm Beach, Florida, hosted by billionaire hedge fund manager John Paulson. A portion of the funds raised will go towards a fundraising group that has been covering Trump’s legal fees. Trump’s campaign advisors Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles expressed confidence in Trump’s chances for re-election, citing strong poll numbers and fundraising capabilities.
The fundraiser, titled the “Inaugural Leadership Dinner,” gathered major donors to support Trump’s campaign. Co-hosts included prominent figures such as hedge-fund investor Robert Mercer and his daughter, conservative activist Rebekah, along with investor Scott Bessent and casino mogul Phil Ruffin. Trump, along with his wife Melania, greeted reporters before the event, expressing gratitude for the support and enthusiasm of the attendees.
In contrast to Trump’s fundraising efforts, President Joe Biden raised nearly $127 million by the end of February and brought in an additional $25 million at a fundraiser in New York. Biden’s campaign has amassed a significant war chest with about $71 million in cash on hand. Trump, on the other hand, had raised about $99 million in the same period with $33.5 million in cash on hand. Both candidates have secured enough delegates in their primaries to secure their party’s presidential nominations, setting the stage for a likely rematch of the 2020 election.
The Trump 47 Committee, a fundraising partnership with the Republican National Committee (RNC), will direct funds to the Save America leadership group before distributing funds to the RNC. Top donors were asked to contribute up to $814,600 per person, with a portion allocated to Trump’s presidential campaign and Save America. After Save America receives its share, the RNC will reportedly receive a cut of up to $413,000. Lara Trump, Trump’s daughter-in-law, serves as a co-chair of the RNC, allowing Trump to raise money in coordination with the party for the upcoming election.
Overall, Trump’s fundraising efforts reflect a significant investment by major donors and supporters in his re-election campaign. The event in Palm Beach showcased the enthusiasm and support for Trump’s message of “making America great again.” With strong poll numbers and a robust fundraising operation, Trump’s campaign advisors are confident in his ability to secure victory in the November election. The competition between Trump and Biden is heating up as both candidates work to secure the necessary resources and support for their campaigns in the coming months.
