Former President Donald Trump’s campaign is instituting a new policy that requires candidates and committees who use Trump’s likeness in fundraising solicitations to give a share of their proceeds to Trump’s fundraising committee. According to Politico, this move is an attempt to narrow the fundraising gap between Trump and President Joe Biden. Candidates are being asked to split a minimum of 5% of their fundraising solicitations with Trump and the Republican National Committee’s joint fundraising committee. A letter sent by the Trump campaign to Republican digital campaign vendors outlines these guidelines, stating that any split higher than 5% will be viewed favorably by the RNC and Trump’s campaign leadership.
Candidates and committees using Trump’s name, image, and likeness are also being instructed to refrain from certain messaging tactics, such as speaking on behalf of Trump without consent, mentioning Trump’s family without authorization, or questioning readers’ support of Trump. The letter warns that business relationships between vendors and Trump’s fundraising committee will be suspended if these guidelines are repeatedly violated. This move comes as Trump trails significantly behind Biden in campaign financing, with nearly $100 million less cash on hand than Biden and Democrats at the end of March, according to NPR.
Trump has been focused on courting large donors as he works to catch up with Biden in fundraising. In March, Trump’s campaign raised $66 million and ended the month with $93 million in cash, while Biden and the Democratic National Committee raised $90 million, bringing their cash on hand to $192 million. Major groups like Super PAC Future Forward, the Service Employees International Union, and research organization American Bridge have pledged between $140 million and $250 million to support Biden’s reelection campaign. Trump’s fundraising struggles are partly due to legal battles, including four criminal cases and a civil fraud case that required him to post a $175 million bond while appealing the ruling. Some big Trump donors are reportedly hesitant to contribute to his campaign due to concerns that their funds may be used to pay for his legal bills through his PAC Save America.
The new guidelines implemented by Trump’s campaign reflect a common practice among top-ballot candidates with large donor bases, who often split donations with lower-ballot politicians. The letter sent to Republican digital campaign vendors outlines these guidelines, stating that any split higher than 5% will be viewed favorably by the RNC and Trump’s campaign leadership. The aim of the new policy is to help Trump close the significant fundraising gap between him and Biden, as he strategizes to increase campaign donations and boost his reelection efforts. Trump has yet to comment on this latest development in his campaign fundraising tactics.
