Former President Donald Trump and the Republican Party are set to host a joint fundraiser in Palm Beach, Florida next week. According to organizers, the event has already raised an impressive $33 million.
The exact amount of money raised in that campaign cannot be confirmed until the disclosure filings are released. However, it is anticipated that the funds raised would surpass the fundraising event in New York City featuring former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, which is projected to raise over $25 million.
According to a report by the Financial Times, Trump’s fundraiser is expected to generate a staggering $33 million in funds.
In a statement to ABC News, billionaire John Paulson expressed his overwhelming gratitude for the response to their fundraising efforts, revealing that they have already raised a staggering $33 million. He emphasized the broad support they have received from a diverse range of donors, highlighting the immense popularity of their cause. Despite the dinner being a relatively small event, Paulson mentioned that they are nearing their capacity due to the tremendous support they have received.
The two events highlight the anticipation of a highly competitive general election fundraising battle between the current and former presidents. With Trump recently becoming the presumptive GOP presidential nominee, he can now join forces with his party to collectively raise funds, aiming to bridge the gap between Biden, the DNC, and their substantial war chest of $100 million.
Before being declared the presumptive nominee, Trump and the RNC faced a financial disadvantage compared to Biden and the Democratic Party. They were unable to raise funds together, unlike their rivals. According to filings, they entered March with only half of what the Democrats had in their bank.
Scheduled for April 6th, Trump’s Palm Beach event is anticipated to be one of the biggest gatherings of prominent Trump donors in recent years. With the ability to collectively raise over $800,000 per donor, this event is co-chaired by numerous influential Republican figures, including Paulson.
The fundraiser has the potential to contribute a portion of the funds raised, up to $5,000 per donor, to Trump’s Save America leadership PAC. This PAC has been instrumental in covering his legal expenses, amounting to tens of millions of dollars, as revealed in disclosures.
Several former ambassadors and Trump administration officials, including former Small Business Administrator Linda McMahon and former Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, as well as New York Jets owner Woody Johnson, are among the co-chairs of the fundraiser, according to an invitation obtained by ABC News.
“This significant increase in funding is a clear demonstration of the immense support for President Biden and Vice President Harris, highlighting the remarkable fundraising efforts we have established,” stated Jeffrey Katzenberg, renowned film producer and co-chair of the Biden campaign.
In a statement, Kevin Munoz, spokesperson for Biden-Harris, expressed that the Democrats are united and enthusiastic in their support for President Biden’s reelection campaign. He further emphasized that this unity and energy will be prominently showcased this Thursday in New York City.
On the same day as Trump’s attendance at the wake of New York Police Department Officer Jonathan Diller, who officials have stated was shot and killed during a traffic stop this week, the Biden fundraiser also takes place.
On Thursday, the Trump campaign spokesperson, Steven Cheung, criticized Biden for choosing to attend a “glitzy fundraiser” with “elitist” supporters, rather than paying his respects at Diller’s wake, as President Trump did.
The White House expressed its condolences about Diller’s killing and offered support as needed during a conversation between President Biden and New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
Cheung also highlighted the success of Trump’s fundraising efforts among small-dollar donors.
According to the statement, “Democrats are feeling intimidated by President Trump’s impressive fundraising ability.”
“We are not just raising the funds required, but also deploying strategic assets to support President Trump’s return to the White House and ensure Republican success,” he added.
