New York: Former President Donald Trump has raised over USD 34 million since the beginning of the year 2023 for his 2024 presidential run. According to his most recent fundraising report, which is to be submitted to the Federal Election Commission on Saturday, Trump raised more than $18.8 million between his main campaign account and the combined fundraising account in the first three months of the year.
Of that $18.8 million, $4 million was raised following an indictment by a Manhattan grand jury of Trump on March 30 on charges related to a hush money case related to the 2016 election. The fundraising numbers were first reported by Politico.
Trump spent $15.4 million in two weeks
Trump’s campaign reported that he raised $15.4 million in the two weeks following the end of the reporting period for filing charges and reporting fundraising. After learning of his impeachment, Trump began raising funds.
Trump, who also faces several other criminal investigations, has tried to use his legal troubles to galvanize supporters, claiming all the cases are politically motivated. He characterized New York’s allegations as “election interference” but also suggested they could help him garner support. Trump has dominated the GOP field in the early stages of the 2024 presidential race. But many high-dollar GOP donors are looking to send their support elsewhere this time around. Until his impeachment, his campaign had lagged behind heavily in fundraising in the days or hours he was president.
Also Read: Donald Trump Raises Over USD 4 Million In 24 Hours After Indictment Over Hush Money
Candidates for the 2024 Presidential Race
Only a few candidates have officially entered the race, Trump’s ambassador to the United States Nikki Haley, the former governor of South Carolina; former Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson, who made the announcement days after Trump’s indictment was filed; and tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.
More candidates, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, are expected to enter the race by the time the next fundraising reports come in mid-July.
Also read: US President Biden indicated wanting a second term: ‘We intend to contest again’
Trump accused of hush money
A Manhattan grand jury voted to indict former US President Donald Trump on charges of providing covert funds to an adult film actress, news agency ANI reported, citing his lawyers. The indictment makes Trump the first person in US history to serve as commander-in-chief and then be charged with a crime. It came after weeks of speculation about whether Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg might take any action.
Trump has repeatedly denied all wrongdoing and has insisted that his investigators are making politically motivated allegations. An arrest warrant is usually issued automatically after an indictment is filed against a defendant who has not previously been charged in a criminal complaint. In Donald Trump’s case, the indictment was filed behind closed doors at the lower Manhattan courthouse after the clerk’s office had closed for the day.
(with AP inputs)