As Donald Trump continues to pledge tax breaks for his wealthy donors while soliciting campaign contributions, DNC Rapid Response Director Alex Floyd issued the following statement about the fundraising tour:
“Donald Trump consistently prioritizes the interests of his wealthiest supporters, demonstrating his willingness to prioritize their desires over the nation’s well-being.
While Trump remains focused on providing tax breaks and favors to the ultra-rich, the Biden-Harris administration is committed to strengthening the economy for working Americans from the ground up and the middle out. In November, voters will remember Trump’s allegiance to his extreme MAGAnomics agenda and opt instead for President Biden and Vice President Harris, who prioritize the needs of all Americans.
Donald Trump doesn’t hesitate to prioritize the interests of the highest bidder, often making political promises to his ultra-wealthy supporters while actively seeking campaign donations.
“When Donald Trump convened with select top donors at a lavish New York hotel earlier this month, he informed the group that a businessman had recently pledged $1 million to his presidential campaign and expressed interest in a lunch meeting.”
“‘I won’t be having lunch,’ Trump reportedly responded, as recounted by attending donors. ‘You’ll need to make it $25 million.’
He further noted that another businessman, who typically donated $2 million to $3 million to Republicans, was told that Trump would expect a contribution of $25 million or $50 million, or else he would not be satisfied.”
As he concluded his presentation at the Pierre Hotel, Trump conveyed to the group the importance of making substantial contributions. He emphasized that if he were not re-elected, taxes would increase for them under President Biden’s plan, which includes allowing the Trump-era tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations to expire by the end of 2025.
Immediately after pledging the tax cuts, Trump made his appeal clear. “So whatever support you can provide, I appreciate it,” he stated.
The statements represent just one instance of several bold appeals made by Trump for significant financial contributions in recent months, as reported by 11 donors, advisers, and others familiar with the former president’s fundraising efforts.
They spoke anonymously to discuss his fundraising activities. Trump’s requests for millions in donations coincide with his efforts to narrow the fundraising disparity with Biden and cover expensive legal expenses stemming from four criminal indictments.
At times, Trump exceeds his team’s anticipated requests, occasionally catching his own advisers off guard with the magnitude of his fundraising appeals.
As noted by legal experts, Trump is also pushing the limits of federal campaign finance laws by often linking fundraising solicitations with immediate promises of tax cuts, approvals for oil project infrastructure, and other favorable policies and requesting amounts that exceed legal limits for individual contributions to his campaign and the GOP.
During a recent gathering organized by his Save America super PAC, Trump urged oil industry executives to raise $1 billion for his campaign. He characterized achieving this amount as a “deal,” highlighting the significant savings they would accrue if he were re-elected as president.
In recent months, Trump has held meetings with various business executives from sectors including real estate, legal, finance, and oil, according to sources familiar with the invitation lists. As part of his extensive fundraising efforts, he has frequently pledged to advance agenda items favored by these executives. Additionally, as reported by individuals close to the former president, Trump has occasionally requested allies to bundle millions or more in contributions.
