Former President Donald Trump and the Republican Party are set to host a joint fundraiser in Palm Beach, Florida, next week, which has already generated an impressive $33 million, according to organizers.
The total amount raised in this haul is yet to be verified until the campaign disclosure filings are released. However, it is expected to surpass the funds raised at President Joe Biden and the Democratic Party’s fundraiser in New York City on Thursday, which featured former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. This event is projected to raise over $25 million.
According to an article by The Financial Times, Trump’s fundraiser is expected to generate a whopping $33 million.
In a statement to ABC News, billionaire John Paulson expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming response to their fundraising efforts, revealing that they have already raised over $33 million. He emphasized the broad spectrum of donors who have shown massive support for their cause. Despite the relatively small nature of the dinner gathering, Paulson mentioned that they are close to reaching their capacity.
The two events highlight the anticipated intense general election money race between the current and former presidents. With Trump recently declared as the presumptive GOP presidential nominee, he can now join forces with his party to jointly fundraise. This is their effort to catch up with Biden and the DNC, who already have a massive $100 million war chest.
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 cash together, which put them behind their rivals. According to filings, they entered March with only half of the funds that the Democrats had in the bank.
The upcoming Palm Beach event, set to take place on April 6, is anticipated to be a significant gathering of prominent Trump donors. With the ability to collectively raise over $800,000 per donor, this event is expected to attract a substantial amount of financial support. In addition to Paulson serving as a co-chair, the event will also be co-chaired by numerous influential Republican figures, making it one of the largest gatherings of its kind in recent years.
A donor participating in the fundraiser may contribute up to $5,000, with a portion of that money potentially being allocated to Trump’s Save America leadership PAC. This PAC has been responsible for covering substantial legal expenses, 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. An invitation to the event, obtained by ABC News, revealed this information.
Todd Ricketts, former campaign finance chair for Donald Trump, joins a notable group of co-chairs for a special event. Accompanying Ricketts are Harold Hamm, renowned energy mogul, Robert Bigelow, esteemed aerospace executive, Robert Mercer and his daughter Rebekah Mercer, prominent hedge fund managers, and Phil Ruffin, esteemed casino tycoon.
Biden’s fundraising event in New York on Thursday, hailed by his campaign as a record-breaking success, promises an extraordinary lineup of entertainment. The star-studded affair will showcase renowned figures such as Stephen Colbert, Mindy Kaling, Lizzo, Queen Latifah, and Ben Platt, alongside notable appearances by Obama and Clinton.
“This historic raise demonstrates the immense enthusiasm and support for President Biden and Vice President Harris. It serves as a testament to the remarkable fundraising capabilities we have established,” remarked Jeffrey Katzenberg, movie mogul and co-chair of the Biden campaign.
According to a statement by Biden-Harris spokesman Kevin Munoz, the Democrats are showing strong unity and enthusiasm for President Biden’s reelection campaign. This will be evident during an upcoming event in New York City on Thursday.
On the same day, Trump attended the wake of New York Police Department Officer Jonathan Diller, who officials have said was shot and killed while conducting a traffic stop this week. Meanwhile, the Biden fundraiser also took place.
On Thursday, Steven Cheung, the spokesperson for the Trump campaign, criticized Biden for hosting a fancy fundraiser with wealthy supporters instead of attending Diller’s wake, as Trump did.
The White House expressed its condolences and offered support to New York City Mayor Eric Adams following the killing of Diller. President Biden personally spoke with Mayor Adams to share his sympathies and assure him that any necessary assistance would be provided.
“We aren’t just raising the funds needed, but we’re also deploying strategic assets to support President Trump’s return to the White House and ensure Republican success,” he added.
