Donald Trump’s small-dollar donations have seen a significant decline since his last presidential campaign, with less than a third of his contributions coming from donors who gave less than $200. This marks a drastic drop from his 2020 race, where almost half of all contributions came from small donors. The total collected from small donors has also decreased, with Trump raising $98 million through June from such contributors, a 40% drop compared to his previous presidential campaign. This shift has forced Trump to rely more on wealthy donors and groups supported by them, which could impact his ability to maintain his populist message.
The decline in small-dollar donations couldn’t have come at a worse time for Trump, as Democrats have raised substantial amounts from small donors in this election cycle, posing a challenge for the overall Republican Party. The aging base of the GOP, often on fixed incomes, may struggle to keep up with the financial demands of political contributions. The hyperaggressive digital fundraising tactics used by Republicans, such as inundating donors with solicitations, have also alienated grassroots donors, leading to a noticeable decline in overall contributions.
Republican vendors have reportedly mistreated donors, leading to frustration and reluctance to contribute further. Many donors have complained about the excessive number of texts and solicitations they receive, feeling overwhelmed and undervalued. The lack of gratitude and the difficulty in removing oneself from donor lists have contributed to a chilling effect on fundraising efforts. This alienation of small donors could have a significant impact on the party’s ability to raise funds and compete against Democrats.
The Trump campaign’s blame on the Biden administration and Vice President Harris for the drop-off in donations due to a bad economy affecting individuals’ financial situations reflects a shift in the fundraising landscape. Before Trump, Democrats typically dominated small-dollar donations, but he managed to energize a dedicated base and raise significant amounts in the past. However, the persistent fundraising requests and confusion over where donations are going have led many Trump supporters to question the effectiveness of their contributions, leading to decreased giving.
Despite the decline in small-dollar donations, Trump still enjoys strong support from his base, with spikes in fundraising following notable events. While individuals like Stephen Buckhalter have stopped donating due to financial constraints, this does not indicate a loss of support for Trump. The rising cost of living, including increased expenses for essentials like food and gas, has impacted many donors’ ability to contribute financially. Despite the challenges in fundraising, Trump’s base remains loyal and supportive, even in the face of declining small-dollar donations.
