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Former President Donald Trump’s political machine showed no signs of slowing down despite his recent indictment, as his campaign announced that it raised more than $4 million in the 24 hours following the news of his indictment in Manhattan. The figures, released by the Trump campaign on Friday, revealed that more than 25% of the donations came from first-time donors to the former president, signaling that his support base remains intact and strong.
The influx of donations also reinforces Trump’s standing as the leading contender in the Republican Party’s 2024 presidential primary race. His campaign capitalized on the news of his indictment, sending out more than half a dozen fundraising solicitations via email within the first 24 hours. Additionally, Trump called for donations on his newly launched social media platform, Truth Social, which garnered a strong response from his supporters.
In addition to the donations, the Trump campaign also reported receiving 16,000 volunteer sign-ups within the past day. The numbers indicate that Trump’s loyal base remains energized and committed to supporting him, despite the allegations he faces.
Trump’s indictment stems from around 30 charges of document fraud related to hush money he allegedly paid to conceal extramarital affairs. The news of his indictment was first reported by NBC News, and the charges remain under seal until Trump appears in court for his arraignment.
I spoke with President Donald Trump moments ago. He is resolute and focused.
He is also concerned about what this politically-motivated indictment will do to America's brand around the world.
We will wake up in a very different America tomorrow because we can no longer have… pic.twitter.com/XBXTNpW3TE
— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) March 31, 2023
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, Trump’s fundraising success suggests that his supporters remain steadfast in their support for him, and that he will continue to play a prominent role in the political landscape for the foreseeable future.
To raise funds, the Trump campaign sent out numerous emails with subject lines such as “BREAKING: PRESIDENT TRUMP INDICTED,” “RUMORED DETAILS OF MY ARREST,” “America needs you right now,” and “Yes, I’ve been indicted, BUT.” Trump also took to his newly launched social media platform, Truth Social, to ask his supporters for donations.
On Truth Social, Trump wrote, “If you are doing poorly, as so many of you are, do not send anything. If you are doing well, which was made possible through the great policies of the Trump Administration, send your contribution to donaldjtrump.com.”
Initially, the Trump campaign had struggled to raise money for his 2024 bid, pulling in only $9.5 million over the past six weeks of the year through the campaign and a joint fundraising committee. However, following news of his indictment, the campaign saw a surge in fundraising efforts.
The Trump indictment is a YUGE story but…
Don’t let that distract you from everything else. pic.twitter.com/1uBAC8CyZY— SixPack™? (@starkrob21) April 1, 2023
Republicans, including potential 2024 rivals and battleground Senate candidates, rallied to Trump’s defense and criticized the indictment in its aftermath. A national Republican strategist noted that national GOP campaign groups saw a spike in digital fundraising since Trump was indicted, with the base “on fire” about the news.
Despite the strong support for Trump among Republicans and independent voters, a recent Quinnipiac University survey found that 53% of independent voters believe criminal charges should disqualify Trump’s presidential bid, while only 20% of Republicans felt that way. Nevertheless, the fundraising success following news of Trump’s indictment suggests that his supporters remain committed to backing him in the upcoming election.
This Democrat thought Trump was lying.
Donald Trump posted a fake story about his arrest hoping to fundraise at his cult rally but he didn’t get arrested so he had nothing to talk about and everyone was bored.
The End.
— Jack E. Smith ?? (@7Veritas4) March 26, 2023
