Former President Donald Trump’s new joint fundraising agreement with the Republican National Committee has raised concerns among Republicans as it directs donations to a political action committee that pays for his legal bills before the RNC receives a cut. This unorthodox approach means that Republican donors could see their money potentially being used to fund Trump’s legal defense against several indictments and civil cases. Trump has invited high-dollar donors to a fundraiser in Palm Beach, Florida, to boost his fundraising efforts, which lag behind President Joe Biden and national Democrats. The fundraising invitation details how donations will be allocated, with a portion going to Trump’s campaign and the Save America PAC before reaching the RNC and state political parties.
The Campaign Legal Center in Washington has criticized Trump’s fundraising strategy, highlighting that it diverges from typical fundraising norms where the emphasis is on raising funds directly for campaign activities. Save America PAC, which is structured as a leadership PAC, prohibits spending on Trump’s campaign activities. The majority of Save America’s operating expenses have been allocated towards legal fees, with $8.5 million spent so far this year. This approach has drawn scrutiny as it differs from how other candidates utilize leadership PACs for fundraising purposes.
The Trump campaign has defended the allocation of funds, pointing out that Save America PAC covers expenses beyond legal fees and only a small portion of donations from the April fundraiser will go towards legal costs. Trump’s handpicked leadership team at the RNC includes Lara Trump and Chris LaCivita, who play key roles in overseeing fundraising activities. While there was initial speculation about the RNC covering Trump’s legal expenses, LaCivita clarified that no RNC or campaign funds would be used for that purpose. The new arrangement ensures that Trump’s campaign and Save America benefit before the RNC receives its share of the funds.
Trump’s political operation is facing challenges in catching up to Biden’s fundraising numbers and organization. His main campaign account and Save America PAC reported raising $15.9 million in February, with $37 million on hand. Biden’s political operation, on the other hand, raised $53 million in the same period, ending February with $155 million on hand. As Trump controls the RNC and his political operation can capitalize on higher contribution limits, the joint fundraising agreement allows for larger donations. The upcoming April fundraiser for the Trump 47 Committee will feature prominent donors and special guests from the Republican Party.
The allocation of funds and distribution of donations under the joint fundraising agreement have sparked discussions within the Republican Party about financial transparency and the prioritization of legal expenses. Trump’s fundraising apparatus is set to report updated numbers in April, shedding light on the overall financial health of his political operation. Despite fundraising challenges, Trump’s political team continues to mobilize donors and high-profile backers to support his efforts. The joint fundraising agreement with the RNC reflects Trump’s strategy to maximize contributions and ensure that his campaign and affiliated PACs receive necessary funding ahead of the 2022 elections.
