Donald Trump's campaign announced a staggering achievement, raising more than $50 million at his Palm Beach fundraiser. This impressive feat follows President Joe Biden's recent New York fundraiser, which garnered $26 million in contributions. The substantial funds collected at the gala could provide crucial support to Trump as he grapples with mounting legal expenses.
Donald Trump is joining billionaires for dinner on Saturday evening, aiming to secure funding for his campaign as well as cover his legal expenses.
Trump's campaign revealed on Saturday that the Palm Beach fundraiser and gala amassed $50 million in donations, according to the Associated Press.
This sum nearly doubles what President Joe Biden garnered during a lavish Democratic fundraiser in New York on March 28. The AP reported that the Biden fundraiser set a record for single-event fundraising, a fact Trump highlighted on Truth Social on Saturday.
"Tonight marks the biggest night in fundraising EVER!!! We'll surpass Biden's numbers from last week at Radio City, doubling them up. People are craving change. They're eager to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!" Trump wrote on Truth Social ahead of the event, which is dubbed as Trump's "Inaugural Leadership Dinner."
On Saturday, Biden's campaign disclosed that it raised $90 million in March, amassing a total cash reserve of $192 million. Meanwhile, the Trump campaign is striving to narrow the gap, having raised $65.6 million in March and holding $93.1 million in available funds.
A source close to the Trump campaign, speaking anonymously to the Washington Post, revealed Trump's intense focus on soliciting donations. According to CNN, attendees at the gala paid between $250,000 and $824,600 per person.
A figure involved in Biden's fundraising efforts, speaking to Axios, expressed concerns about Trump's strategy of pushing donors to max out their contributions in April. "It's a recipe for being broke in the months that will matter," the individual cautioned.
On Saturday, Trump attended the gala alongside his wife Melania. Melania, who has been noticeably absent from his campaign over the past year, is now anticipated to assume a more prominent role.
The Palm Beach fundraiser, held at hedge fund billionaire John Paulson's mansion, could provide crucial support for the former president's campaign and escalating legal expenses, which include millions in payments to law firms defending him in four criminal cases.
According to CNN, the proceeds from the fundraiser will be directed to the Save America leadership political action committee, one of the two PACs that have been financing Trump's legal affairs.
Business Insider's request for comment sent outside regular business hours to representatives of the Trump and Biden campaigns went unanswered.