Former President Trump was projected to earn almost $50 million at a Saturday night fundraiser, more than triple what three Democratic presidents recently raised for President Biden’s reelection campaign, a campaign official told The Hill.
John Paulson, a hedge fund billionaire, held the exclusive fundraiser in Palm Beach, Florida.
The estimated total would be double what Biden’s campaign earned at a New York City fundraiser last week. Biden’s star-studded dinner at Radio City Music Hall, which included former Presidents Clinton and Obama, raised almost $25 million.
In remarks Saturday night, Trump stated that a wide range of social strata in the country want “change” and vowed to deliver it if he returns to the White House.
In a video message posted with Truth Social, Trump remarked, “People are just wanting change,” while standing next to his wife, Melania. “Wealthy people want it.” People want it. Everyone wants change. Our country is going really badly. We’re a laughingstock around the world. And we’re going to fix it rapidly. And this has been a wonderful evening before it even began, because people wanted to contribute to the cause of making America great again, and that is exactly what has happened.”
The event will benefit Trump’s campaign, the Republican National Committee (RNC), his Save America PAC, and state Republican parties as part of their cooperative fundraising agreement.
“Tonight will be an incredible night for President Trump and the Republican Party, raising an astounding $50.5 million,” Trump campaign senior advisors Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita said in a statement. “Meanwhile, after securing the nomination in one of the most rapid primaries in modern political history, Donald J. Trump is winning poll after poll, demonstrating that enthusiasm is on his side.
“It’s clearer than ever that we have the message, the operation, and the money to propel President Trump to victory on November 5.”
The fundraiser comes as Trump and the RNC said Wednesday that they raised more than $65.6 million last month, taking them into April with more than $91.3 million in cash on hand. The Biden campaign’s fundraising arm was also quite active in March, claiming a $90 million haul on Saturday, leaving them with $192 million in cash heading into the second quarter.
Trump is attempting to maximize his war chest seven months before the presidential election as he strives to recover from severe financial setbacks while defending himself against claims in four court lawsuits.
“The biggest fundraising night of all time!!! I will double the Biden number from last week at Radio City. People are desperate for change. They want to make America great again! In a Saturday TruthSocial post, Trump wrote, “DJT.”
“The success of tonight’s event is proving what we already know: Americans are fed up with Biden’s record of failure, from the open southern border and sky-high inflation to the migrant crime crisis that has made everyone less safe,” RNC Chair Michael Whatley and co-Chair Lara Trump said in a statement.
“United behind the effort to elect President Donald J. Trump, Americans are lining up to join our movement and retire Crooked Joe Biden once and for all.”
Paulson also praised the fundraiser, stating, “Tonight, we raised an unprecedented $50.5 million for President Trump’s re-election. This sold-out event raised the most money for a single political fundraiser in history. This tremendous support reflects enthusiasm for President Trump and his programs.”
