Former President Donald Trump takes his second shot during the pro-am event preceding the LIV Golf Invitational at his golf club, Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia, on May 25, 2023.
Rob Carr | Getty Images
This month, Former President Donald Trump is set to embark on a significant fundraising campaign, initiating activities in the pivotal state of Georgia and featuring an exclusive event at his golf club in New Jersey, as revealed in invitations obtained by CNBC. This strategic move comes shortly after Florida Governor Ron DeSantis entered the presidential primary race, successfully raising over $8 million within the first 24 hours. This impressive sum was partially amassed through a coalition of wealthy bundlers who organized fundraising efforts from the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel in Miami on DeSantis’s launch day.
The Trump campaign is actively encouraging bundlers to raise substantial contributions, seeking amounts as high as $1 million. According to a sign-up form provided, fundraisers can select from various bundler programs. Those achieving the $1 million milestone will be recognized as part of the Ultra MAGA program, while donors who contribute $250,000 will be classified under Team Trump 2024. Essentially, a campaign bundler plays a crucial role in facilitating fundraising efforts for their chosen candidate, often engaging in phone calls and various outreach methods to secure donations.
When approached for comments regarding the identities of bundlers supporting Trump’s current presidential bid, the campaign did not provide any details. Notably, many of Trump’s previous high-profile donors, including Blackstone CEO Steve Schwarzman, have distanced themselves from him following the events of January 6, 2021, when numerous supporters of the then-president stormed the Capitol in a significant breach of democracy.
In a recent Morning Consult survey, Trump maintains a commanding lead over DeSantis, boasting a 34 percentage point advantage. Despite facing multiple legal challenges, including investigations related to efforts to overturn the controversial 2020 election, Trump continues to hold a strong grip on the Republican Party, demonstrating his enduring influence within the political arena.
As part of his fundraising initiatives this month, Trump will travel to Georgia, where he is scheduled to address the state’s Republican conference on June 10. The invitation extends a request for donors to contribute $23,200, with proceeds directed toward the Trump Save America Joint Fundraising Committee. This committee is crucial in generating funds for both Trump’s campaign and his associated political action committee, Save America.
With the $23,200 donation, contributors will have the opportunity to take a photograph with Trump and enjoy what the invitation describes as VIP seating. Additionally, Trump has planned similar fundraising events throughout June that align with various Republican Party conferences, including a notable gathering in the battleground state of Michigan on June 25.
In mid-June, Trump will leverage one of his own properties to aid in fundraising efforts for his campaign: his golf club located in Bedminster, New Jersey, as indicated in an invitation. The fundraiser scheduled for June 13 aims to raise or contribute $100,000 for the Trump Save America Joint Fundraising Committee. This significant donation will grant contributors access to a “personal candlelight dinner with President Donald J. Trump” and entry to a VIP reception featuring “elected officials & special guests.”
For attendees of the final reception, there is an opportunity to contribute $1,000, enhancing their engagement with the campaign. Moreover, a joint fundraising committee that previously supported the Trump campaign and the Republican National Committee spent over $70,000 at the golf club during the 2020 election cycle, according to data from the nonpartisan OpenSecrets.