At a private GOP retreat in Palm Beach, Florida, the Trump campaign announced to donors that they had raised $76 million in April between the campaign and the Republican National Committee. The retreat brought together wealthy GOP donors and potential vice presidential contenders, including Senators Marco Rubio, Tim Scott, and J.D. Vance, Rep. Elise Stefanik, and Governors Doug Burgum and Kristi Noem. Guests were shuttled to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club for remarks from the former president, where he attacked the felony charges against him and referred to special counsel Jack Smith as “deranged” and an “evil thug.”
During the fundraiser, Donald Trump accused President Biden of running a “Gestapo administration” against him, stating that it was the only way they believed they could win. The former president expressed that the attacks did not bother him. A panel featuring GOP Senate hopefuls Bernie Moreno, Rep. Jim Banks, and Dave McCormick was also held, discussing internal polling that suggested the campaign could be competitive in states like Minnesota and Virginia, which are not typically considered battlegrounds.
Minnesota and Virginia, states that went for Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Biden in 2020, were highlighted as potential targets for the Trump campaign based on internal polling. While traditionally Democratic-leaning states, Republicans see an opportunity to make gains in these areas. Similarly, Democrats have started campaigning more aggressively in Florida, a state that Trump won by a narrow margin in 2020. The fundraising numbers announced at the retreat aimed to close the financial gap with Democrats, who held a significant advantage in fundraising at the start of April.
The fundraising haul for April was described as exceeding all goals, according to a top Trump advisor. While the exact numbers have not been independently confirmed by CBS, campaigns and political groups are required to file their monthly reports with the Federal Elections Commission later in the month. The retreat featured dinners with senators in attendance, serving dishes like baby greens salad, beef filet, scallops, and key lime pie. Guests were also given coconuts branded with “Trump 47” as a dessert option.
Overall, the private GOP retreat in Palm Beach, Florida, showcased the Trump campaign’s fundraising efforts and potential strategies for the upcoming election. With a focus on key states like Minnesota and Virginia, as well as efforts to maintain support in Florida, the campaign is working to close the financial gap with Democrats and secure victory in the 2024 election. The event brought together wealthy GOP donors, potential vice presidential contenders, and top campaign officials for discussions on fundraising goals, internal polling, and campaign strategies.
