Donald Trump’s campaign is asking Republican candidates and committees to give at least 5% of the funds they raise using his name and likeness back to his campaign, according to a letter obtained by CNN. Trump’s campaign managers state that any split higher than 5% would be seen favorably by the Republican National Committee and the campaign, and would be reported to the highest levels of leadership within both organizations. The letter also provides guidelines for using Trump’s name and likeness, such as avoiding speaking on behalf of him, creating unauthorized memberships, or mentioning his family without consent.
This request from the Trump campaign comes as the former president ramps up his fundraising efforts in an attempt to catch up with President Joe Biden’s financial operation. The letter was dated on the first day of Trump’s New York criminal trial, which will limit his ability to travel for fundraising and campaigning. The goal of the campaign is to protect small dollar donors from potential scammers who may misuse Trump’s name and likeness for fundraising purposes, according to a statement from Trump campaign spokesperson Danielle Alvarez. Trump has been vigilant about protecting his brand and name, as evidenced by his past actions sending cease-and-desist letters to the RNC and congressional fundraising arms in 2021.
In response to the letter, Republican candidates and committees are being asked to split a minimum of 5% of funds raised using Trump’s name and likeness to the Trump National Committee JFC. Any split higher than 5% would be viewed favorably by the Republican National Committee and President Trump’s campaign, and would be reported to top leadership within both organizations. The guidelines included in the letter outline the proper ways to use Trump’s name and likeness for fundraising, emphasizing the importance of obtaining consent before mentioning Trump’s family and avoiding impersonating the former president or speaking on his behalf.
The letter from Trump’s campaign demonstrates his continued influence within the Republican Party and his strategic approach to fundraising efforts. Trump has taken steps to protect his brand and name by ensuring that Republican candidates and committees do not misuse his likeness for fundraising purposes. By setting guidelines and requesting a percentage of funds raised using his name, Trump is positioning himself as a key figure in the party’s fundraising efforts. This move also highlights Trump’s efforts to solidify his position within the Republican National Committee and increase his influence in campaign fundraising efforts moving forward.
Overall, the letter from Trump’s campaign underscores the former president’s ongoing involvement in the Republican Party and his focus on fundraising as he looks to catch up with President Joe Biden’s financial operation. The guidelines provided in the letter serve to protect small dollar donors from potential scammers while outlining the proper ways to use Trump’s name and likeness for fundraising purposes. Trump’s campaign is taking a strategic approach to fundraising by requesting a portion of funds raised using his name, indicating his continued influence within the party and his efforts to maintain control over his brand and image.
