The city of St. Cloud, Minnesota, is still awaiting payment from former President Donald Trump’s campaign for services related to a rally held in July. The campaign owes nearly $209,000 for expenses that went beyond the city’s normal services, including extra police work, changes to a construction project, and IT-related services. City Administrator Matt Staehling explained that the city bills the White House for campaign stops and other events that require city services, but official events are not billed.
The rally took place at a hockey arena on St. Cloud State University’s campus, where Trump and running mate JD Vance addressed a crowd that overflowed into an outdoor viewing area. Trump spoke for over an hour and a half, energizing his supporters with his signature style. While the campaign has not responded to requests for comment on the outstanding bill, it did pay a $35,000 bill from the university in August. Athletic Director Holly Schreiner confirmed this payment was made in relation to the July rally.
The unpaid bill highlights the financial impact that hosting a high-profile event like a presidential campaign rally can have on a city like St. Cloud. The city incurred significant expenses to ensure the safety and smooth operation of the event, and expects to be reimbursed for these services. While such events can bring excitement and attention to a community, they also come with costs that must be covered by the organizers.
The relationship between political campaigns and local governments is a complex one, as cities often provide services and resources for events at the request of the campaign without upfront payment. In this case, St. Cloud is seeking reimbursement for the expenses incurred during the July rally, including additional police presence and logistical support. The city’s billing practices ensure that taxpayers are not left footing the bill for events that are organized by outside entities.
As the city awaits payment from the Trump campaign, officials remain committed to upholding their financial responsibilities and ensuring that taxpayers are not burdened with the cost of campaign events. St. Cloud’s decision to bill the campaign for services provided goes beyond political affiliations, as it is a standard practice to recoup expenses related to events that require city resources. The outcome of this situation will shed light on the importance of accountability and transparency in the handling of public funds for events of this nature.
In conclusion, the unpaid bill from the Trump campaign serves as a reminder of the financial obligations that come with hosting high-profile events like political rallies. St. Cloud officials have made it clear that they expect reimbursement for the services provided during the July rally, and will continue to pursue payment from the campaign. As the city navigates the complexities of hosting such events, it remains committed to safeguarding taxpayer dollars and ensuring that all costs are covered by the responsible parties.
