Former President Donald Trump’s campaign reported raising $50.5 million at a fundraising event in Florida, marking a significant haul as they aim to catch up to the Biden campaign’s recent fundraising efforts. The funds raised at the event, held at the home of investor John Paulson in Palm Beach, are expected to be split between the Trump campaign, Republican National Committee, state Republican parties, and the Save America PAC, which helps cover the former president’s legal bills. The campaign touted the event as a sign of unity within the GOP and a demonstration of Americans’ dissatisfaction with President Biden’s policies.
Trump’s fundraising efforts have been steadily increasing since November, as his path to the nomination becomes clearer. However, they have fallen short of the Biden campaign and the Democratic Party’s fundraising totals. In March, Biden raised over $90 million, surpassing Trump’s fundraising figures by $25 million. The former president’s campaign spokesperson highlighted the success of Saturday’s event, stating that it outpaced the Democrats’ fundraising efforts. Trump himself had predicted the fundraising success, calling it the “biggest night” in fundraising ever and surpassing the recent Biden fundraiser.
The Palm Beach fundraising dinner featured remarks from Trump, who emphasized the need to win back the White House and pledged to make the country “bigger, better, and stronger than ever before.” Other speakers at the event included North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. The reported $50.5 million raised at the event far surpassed the amount raised at a star-studded fundraiser for the Biden campaign the previous month. The success of the event was seen as a reflection of the Republican Party’s support for the former president and their opposition to President Biden’s policies.
The joint statement released by RNC Chairman Michael Whatley and co-chair Lara Trump emphasized the “success” of the fundraising event, attributing it to Americans’ frustration with Biden’s policies, including the open southern border, inflation, and the migrant crime crisis. The influx of funds into the Trump campaign comes as both candidates prepare to face off in the upcoming election. Despite Biden’s strong fundraising numbers, the Trump campaign remains confident in their ability to compete and win the White House. The event in Palm Beach was a significant milestone for the campaign, showcasing their fundraising prowess and support within the party.
