NEW YORK (AP) — Former President Donald Trump‘s campaign is using GoFundMe to get his network of wealthy supporters and everyday donors to give money to survivors of the July assassination attempt and Hurricane Helene, ignoring more traditional methods of fundraising. attendance.
The two high-profile initiatives, organized by Trump’s national finance director, have already raised more than $14 million.
They do not violate campaign finance laws, according to legal experts.
The campaign is prohibited from keeping the money for its own political purposes; A GoFundMe spokesperson told The Associated Press that most of the funds for survivors of the attack have already been distributed.
But using crowdfunding as a campaign response to a crisis is unorthodox.
Never before has a candidate turned to that for-profit internet company — which usually contains desperate pleas for help paying medical bills or college tuition — to mobilize his base to contribute to a charitable cause.
“It’s quite unusual and actually quite rare,” said Brett Kappel, a campaign finance attorney for Harmon Curran, who has worked with both Democratic and Republican candidates.
It’s more common to see candidates contributing to IRS-approved nonprofits during a natural disaster, Kappel said.
For example, he pointed to Federal Election Commission documents that show Sen. Tim Scott’s campaign donated to the American Red Cross when Hurricane Ian hit South Carolina in 2022.
Trump campaign spokesman Brian Hughes said the idea arose from the president’s “desire to find a way for his supporters to directly give as much help as they can.”
The finance team got involved only because of their “extensive experience working with large accounts,” Hughes said, and “not a cent of this money will go anywhere other than to the people affected.”
Hughes detailed that more than 6.5 million of the 7.7 million dollars raised for organizations related to assistance to survivors of Hurricane Helene were distributed by October 11.
“The president has an impressive movement of supporters,” Hughes told the AP. “After the Butler bombing led people to donate millions of dollars, he saw an opportunity to use that same method for philanthropic purposes on behalf of his supporters.”
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**Interview with Political Analyst Jane Doe on Trump’s GoFundMe Campaign Initiatives**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Jane. We’re discussing the recent fundraising efforts by former President Donald Trump’s campaign using GoFundMe for the survivors of the July assassination attempt and Hurricane Helene. What are your initial thoughts on this approach?
**Jane Doe:** Thank you for having me. I find it quite fascinating that Trump’s campaign is leveraging a platform like GoFundMe. Typically, political fundraising leans towards more traditional methods, such as fundraising dinners or direct contributions. This shift shows an innovative way to engage both wealthy supporters and everyday donors, particularly around crises that evoke public sympathy.
**Interviewer:** They’ve reportedly raised over $14 million through these initiatives. Do you think this method could set a precedent for future political fundraising?
**Jane Doe:** Absolutely. If this method proves effective, we could see more candidates adopt similar strategies. GoFundMe offers a more personal touch, creating a direct connection between donors and the causes they care about. It also has the potential to mobilize smaller contributions from a larger base, which is a departure from the traditional high-dollar fundraising events.
**Interviewer:** Legal experts have stated that these fundraising efforts do not violate campaign finance laws. How does that work in terms of regulations?
**Jane Doe:** The key here is that the funds raised cannot be used for personal gain or campaign activities. They must go directly to victims or relief efforts, which is why it stays within legal parameters. This also highlights the complexities of campaign finance—finding ways to support causes without running afoul of the law can be a tricky balance.
**Interviewer:** Given the political implications, do you think this strategy will positively or negatively affect Trump’s public image?
**Jane Doe:** It’s a double-edged sword. On one hand, it shows a commitment to helping people in distress, potentially softening his image among critics. On the other hand, political opponents may frame it as a veneer—using tragedy to bolster his brand. Ultimately, public perception will depend on how transparently the funds are distributed and whether people feel the money is genuinely making a difference.
**Interviewer:** Interesting insights, Jane. Lastly, do you see this GoFundMe approach impacting future campaigns, regardless of party affiliation?
**Jane Doe:** Definitely. We’re already seeing candidates explore a variety of fundraising techniques that step outside the norm. If GoFundMe proves to be a successful tool for connecting with constituents and raising substantial funds quickly, I wouldn’t be surprised to see it adopted across the political spectrum in future campaigns.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your time today, Jane. Your analysis adds valuable context to this unique fundraising strategy from the Trump campaign.
**Jane Doe:** Thank you! It’s always a pleasure to discuss the evolving landscape of political fundraising.
