Former President Donald Trump faced significant legal expenses last month, with his leadership PAC, Save America, spending nearly $3.7 million on legal-related expenses. This included outstanding bills owed to Robert & Robert, the firm representing Trump in a business fraud case brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James. The legal challenges Trump faces, including a civil fraud case and a criminal hush money trial, have resulted in substantial financial costs for his political action committee.
Opening arguments were set to begin in the criminal hush money trial against Trump, making him the first former president to face criminal prosecution. Save America paid over $1 million to legal firms representing Trump in this case in March. These significant legal expenditures highlight the financial pressure Trump is under as the general election campaign intensifies, while President Joe Biden and the Democratic National Committee expand their cash advantage.
Save America has relied on funds from a Trump super PAC, MAGA Inc., to cover its expenses. The super PAC refunded $5 million to Save America in March, bringing the total refunds to $57.25 million. However, this source of funds is limited as Save America cannot request more than the $60 million it has donated to MAGA Inc. Trump’s political team is exploring other fundraising options, including a joint fundraising agreement with the Republican National Committee and state parties to secure additional funding.
There have been recent developments in independent political campaigns as well, with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s vice presidential pick receiving a $2 million contribution from Nicole Shanahan. Kennedy’s campaign raised over $3 million in March but also spent $4.5 million on consulting, events, advertising, and payroll. Shanahan, an independently wealthy tech executive, has the ability to contribute unlimited amounts of money to support political campaigns.
Moving forward, Trump’s political team is focused on replenishing dwindling resources for Save America. Through high-dollar fundraising efforts and joint fundraising agreements with the Republican National Committee, the campaign aims to secure more funds. This new strategy has already shown success, with a recent event at a billionaire investor’s home raising a record $50.5 million for the Trump campaign. These fundraising efforts will be crucial as Trump prepares for the 2024 election and faces ongoing legal challenges.
