Trump turns to his ‘old cast’ to raise millions for 2024 and the PAC paying his legal bills

US Markets
Monday, March 25th, 2024 3:48 pm EDT

Key Points

  • Paulson’s Call for Unity Behind Trump: John Paulson, a veteran investor, is rallying allies on Wall Street to support Donald Trump’s bid for the presidency, emphasizing the need to unite and stand behind Trump as the candidate who can lead the country in the right direction. He stresses the importance of prioritizing key issues such as protecting borders, immigration, crime, education, the economy, trade, and foreign policy.
  • Fundraising Efforts and GOP Support: Paulson is hosting a high-profile fundraising dinner for Trump on April 6 at his Palm Beach residence, joined by influential GOP figures like Rebekah and Robert Mercer, Todd Ricketts, Wilbur Ross, Linda McMahon, and Woody Johnson. This event signals a broader initiative by Trump and his inner circle to enlist wealthy financiers to support both his campaign and a political action committee covering his legal expenses. Despite previous public distancing, Rebekah Mercer’s attendance underscores her expected critical role in fundraising for Trump, along with potential future events and major donations to pro-Trump political action committees.
  • Financial Challenges and Legal Battles: Trump faces financial hurdles in his campaign, with fundraising lagging behind President Joe Biden’s efforts, and skepticism from key Republican donors concerned about the potential use of funds for Trump’s legal fees. Trump’s legal battles include numerous criminal counts and civil court penalties, leading his political action committees to spend millions on legal defense. The success of fundraising efforts like Paulson’s dinner could significantly impact Trump’s ability to address financial headwinds and bolster his campaign ahead of the 2024 presidential election.

Veteran investor John Paulson is rallying Wall Street allies to support Donald Trump’s bid for the presidency once again, emphasizing the need for unity behind Trump’s leadership. Paulson’s call comes as he hosts a fundraising dinner for Trump on April 6 at his Palm Beach residence, joined by other influential GOP figures such as Rebekah and Robert Mercer, Todd Ricketts, Wilbur Ross, Linda McMahon, and Woody Johnson. This gathering marks the beginning of a concerted effort by Trump and his inner circle to enlist wealthy financiers to aid in fundraising for both his campaign and a political action committee covering his legal expenses. Despite Rebekah Mercer’s previous distancing from Trump, her attendance at a private party with Trump allies signals renewed support from the Mercers. The fundraising event’s ticket prices range from $250,000 to $814,600 per person, with expectations of at least $40 million in contributions. Meredith O’Rourke, Trump’s presidential campaign finance director, is actively engaging donors to attend. Despite concerns about financing a PAC covering Trump’s legal fees, supporters like Paulson emphasize the importance of protecting individuals from legal persecution based on their political beliefs. Trump’s need for financial support is underscored by his lagging fundraising compared to President Joe Biden and mounting legal expenses, including criminal charges and civil court penalties. Save America, Trump’s PAC, has been spending millions on legal bills, surpassing its monthly fundraising totals. While RNC co-chair Lara Trump asserts that the committee won’t cover Trump’s legal expenses, her stance marks a shift from previous suggestions supporting such payments. As Trump faces financial challenges and legal battles, his efforts to secure financial backing from influential donors like Paulson and the Mercers signal a pivotal phase in his bid for political resurgence.

For the full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/03/25/donald-trump-raises-money-for-campaign-and-to-help-pay-legal-bills.html