Donald Trump’s campaign has issued an urgent appeal for donations from one million supporters, cautioning that he risks losing his New York properties if he fails to secure a bond to cover a $454 million judgment in a civil fraud case.
This call for donations comes just two days after Trump’s unsuccessful attempt to secure a bond, bringing him closer to the possibility of property seizure. Filed by New York State Attorney General Letitia James in September 2022, the civil fraud case is one of several legal hurdles Trump faces ahead of a November 5 election rematch with Democratic President Joe Biden.
The campaign’s message, delivered via text, prompts supporters to contribute varying amounts from $20.24 to $3,300 or a specific sum. It accuses James of aiming to seize Trump’s properties and frames her actions as part of a broader scheme by Biden and Democrats to undermine his reelection bid. The message implores one million pro-Trump patriots to unite and thwart what they perceive as a politically motivated attack against President Trump.
The potential use of donated funds to cover the judgment remains uncertain. While federal law prohibits the use of campaign funds for personal expenses, Trump has utilized donor contributions to cover some legal fees, asserting that his legal defense is campaign-related. Trump’s attorneys recently informed a New York appellate court that he had been turned down by 30 surety companies for a bond to cover the substantial civil fraud judgment, heightening the risk of property seizure.
Trump’s campaign is grappling with financial strain attributed to fatigue among small-dollar donors and reluctance among major donors. Advisors from the Republican Party have cautioned Trump’s team since late last year about the diminishing base of small-dollar donors. In January of this year, the campaign reported a modest $3 million raised from small-dollar donors, a stark contrast to Biden’s operation, which garnered nearly $2 million in a single day in late February.
Compounding the decline in small-dollar donations is the hesitation among wealthy Republican donors to commit substantial sums to a pro-Trump political action committee or to leverage their networks for fundraising efforts. This reluctance has hindered Trump’s campaign in recruiting former donors, with some expressing apprehensions about being publicly linked with the former president.
In essence, Donald Trump’s campaign faces significant financial strain, underscored by a plea for donations from one million supporters amidst impending legal judgment and broader adversarial efforts. The campaign’s challenges extend beyond legal battles to include donor fatigue and hesitancy among major contributors, posing formidable obstacles for Trump as he navigates his legal entanglements and prepares for the upcoming election.
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