Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley expresses optimism about the impact of Trump's guilty verdicts on fundraising, asserting that the numbers are "going to be big."
Despite facing a guilty verdict in his criminal trial, former President Donald Trump's fundraising efforts have witnessed a significant surge, with his campaign and the Republican National Committee (RNC) raking in $141 million in May. The former president's supporters have rallied behind him, fueling a rise in both donations and first-time contributors.
Trump's campaign attributed the fundraising success to the former president's enduring popularity and the public's perception that the trial was politically motivated. Senior advisors Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles stated that Americans remember the economic prosperity, border security, and international strength under Trump's leadership.
The fundraising bonanza was particularly evident in the immediate aftermath of the guilty verdict. In the first 24 hours following the announcement, Trump and the RNC hauled in nearly $53 million, which counted towards May's total. The campaign hailed this as "record-shattering" and attributed it to the "awakening" of the MAGA movement.
RNC Chair Michael Whatley echoed this sentiment, predicting that the fundraising numbers would continue to climb in the wake of the conviction. "People are angry," Whatley said. "They see what's going on with Biden. They see the mess at the border. They see the inflation. And they're looking for a solution. They know that Donald Trump is that solution."
Whatley argued that the trial had unfairly targeted Trump and that the guilty verdicts would galvanize his supporters. "They're trying to take down Donald Trump," Whatley said. "They're doing everything they can to destroy him. But it's not going to work. The people of this country are not going to let it happen."
Trump's fundraising surge has narrowed the gap with Biden, who had previously outpaced him in monthly fundraising. However, Biden still enjoys a cash-on-hand advantage of $84 million to $49 million.
Fundraising plays a crucial role in political campaigns, as it funds grassroots outreach, get-out-the-vote operations, staffing, travel, and advertising. Trump's recent fundraising success suggests that he will continue to be a formidable force in the 2024 presidential election.
Despite the guilty verdict, Trump's supporters remain loyal, and his fundraising momentum is likely to continue as he gears up for the election.
