The latest fundraising arrangement between former President Donald Trump and the Republican National Committee (RNC) has drawn attention for its diversion of a portion of donations to a political action committee (PAC) designated for covering Trump’s legal expenses, reports The New York Times.
A notable event on the horizon, the Trump 47 Committee’s upcoming dinner, solicits donors to contribute up to $814,600 for attendance. The breakdown of this donation reveals that the initial $6,600 is allocated to Trump’s campaign, followed by $5,000 to the Save America PAC, which notably covered over $50 million in legal fees last year. The subsequent $413,000 is earmarked for the RNC, with the remainder supporting various state parties.
This agreement arises amid significant legal expenditure by Save America, averaging $5 million monthly to cover legal costs for Trump, his associates, and co-defendants. Additionally, it follows a shakeup within the RNC leadership orchestrated by Trump allies, including Lara Trump, his daughter-in-law, resulting in the removal of numerous officials.
Previously, Trump affiliates vehemently refuted suggestions that the RNC would assist in offsetting Trump’s legal expenses, as highlighted by The New York Times.
Conservative attorney George Conway underscored that the funds bypass the RNC entirely, flowing directly into the PAC responsible for legal fee payments. This diversion occurs despite the presumption that the RNC plays a pivotal role in fundraising efforts.
Furthermore, Trump has intensified his support for his PAC, now directing 10% of every campaign dollar towards it, a significant increase from the earlier allocation of 1%.
