Former President Donald Trump is set to attend a Republican fundraiser in Minnesota during a break from his hush money trial. Trump will headline the state GOP’s annual Lincoln Reagan dinner, which coincides with the party’s state convention. He believes he can win the traditionally Democratic state in the November election, despite no Republican presidential candidate winning Minnesota since 1972. Trump came close to flipping the state in 2016 and returned several times in 2020 when he was beaten by Biden by over 7 points.
The chairman of the Republican Party of Minnesota, David Hann, expressed confidence in Trump’s ability to win Minnesota, while Democratic U.S. Sen. Tina Smith dismissed the idea, calling it a grasping at straws. Trump is taking a break from his trial to attend his son Barron’s high school graduation in Florida before heading to the fundraiser. VIP tickets for the dinner ranged up to $100,000 and Hann expects a full house of around 1,400 people. The event is seen as an opportunity for the Republican Party to rally support and raise funds.
Experts are split on whether Minnesota will be competitive in the upcoming election, given its history as a Democratic stronghold. Trump has claimed that he actually won Minnesota in 2020, despite there being no evidence to support this. In an interview, Trump stated that his speech at the fundraiser would focus on economic issues and emphasized his efforts to support industry in Minnesota. The event is anticipated to draw significant attention and support from Trump’s base in the state.
The dinner reception is co-hosted by Trump’s state campaign chair, House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, who played a key role in bringing the former president to Minnesota. Hann mentioned that there is a dissatisfaction with President Biden in the state, pointing to the protest vote movement during the Super Tuesday primary. Despite the strong Democratic ground game in Minnesota, Hann believes that there is an opportunity for Trump to capitalize on this dissatisfaction and gain support from voters in the state.
With the 2024 Election looming, Trump’s visit to Minnesota is viewed as a strategic move to rally support and raise funds for the Republican Party. The event coincides with the party’s state convention and is expected to draw a large crowd of supporters. Trump’s focus on economic issues and his assertion that he can win Minnesota in the upcoming election reflects his confidence in his ability to compete in traditionally Democratic states. The fundraiser presents an opportunity for the Republican Party to mobilize its base and garner support for the upcoming election campaign.
