Former President Donald Trump has entered into a joint fundraising agreement with the Republican National Committee that directs donations to his campaign and a political action committee before the RNC receives a cut. This arrangement diverts funds to the Save America PAC, which has been paying Trump’s legal bills, raising concerns among some Republicans that the party could be shortchanged. The fundraising invitation, obtained by The Associated Press, reveals that donations to the Trump 47 Committee are first used for Trump’s campaign, then to Save America, and finally to the RNC and state political parties.
The unorthodox use of funds for legal expenses through the Save America PAC deviates from typical fundraising norms, according to Adav Noti, the executive director of the Campaign Legal Center. Noti explains that candidates usually prioritize raising money that can be spent directly on campaign activities, whereas Save America is structured as a leadership PAC and is prohibited from spending on Trump’s campaign. The Trump campaign defended this approach, stating that Save America covers various expenses beyond legal fees and that only a small portion of donations go to legal expenses.
Trump’s handpicked leadership team for the RNC includes Lara Trump and Chris LaCivita, who play key roles in both the campaign and the RNC. Lara Trump had previously expressed her belief that the RNC should pay Trump’s legal fees, but LaCivita clarified that no RNC or campaign funds would be used for this purpose. The new fundraising arrangement ensures that Trump’s campaign and Save America are paid first, before the RNC and state political parties receive any funds. Donors have the option to direct their contributions differently or bypass the arrangement to donate directly to the RNC or other entities.
Trump’s political operation is striving to catch up to President Joe Biden in fundraising and organization. His main campaign account and the Save America PAC raised $15.9 million in February, while Biden’s operation raised $53 million and ended the month with $155 million on hand. Trump’s joint fundraising agreement with the RNC allows for higher contribution limits, enabling single donors to contribute over $800,000. An upcoming fundraiser hosted by billionaire investor John Paulson and other prominent figures is expected to raise significant funds for the Trump 47 Committee, with contributions ranging from $250,000 to $814,600 per person.
In conclusion, Trump’s fundraising tactics, particularly the diversion of funds to cover legal expenses, have raised concerns among some Republicans about potential financial implications for the RNC. The joint fundraising agreement with the RNC allows for larger contributions and aims to boost Trump’s political operation in the face of strong fundraising by President Biden. As the fundraising landscape evolves, Trump’s approach to fundraising and legal expense coverage continues to draw attention and scrutiny.
