At a private GOP retreat in Palm Beach, Florida, the Trump campaign revealed to donors that a staggering $76 million was raised in April between the campaign and the Republican National Committee, as disclosed by two sources present at the briefing.
The retreat served as a gathering for affluent GOP donors and potential vice presidential contenders under consideration by Donald Trump, including Senators Marco Rubio, Tim Scott, and J.D. Vance, along with Representatives Elise Stefanik and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem.
Former President Trump, addressing attendees at his Mar-a-Lago club, vigorously criticized the felony charges against him and labeled special counsel Jack Smith as “deranged” and an “evil thug,” according to insiders.
Trump also accused President Biden of running what he described as a “Gestapo administration” against him, suggesting it as their sole strategy for victory.
In response, White House spokesperson Andrew Bates rebuked Trump’s remarks, emphasizing President Biden’s commitment to democratic values and the rule of law.
The event also featured a panel with GOP Senate hopefuls Bernie Moreno, Rep. Jim Banks, and Dave McCormick.
During a closed-door briefing, donors were informed that internal polling indicated the campaign’s potential competitiveness in Minnesota and Virginia, states historically leaning Democratic.
Despite the fundraising success, the Trump campaign is striving to close the financial gap with Democrats, who currently maintain a substantial advantage.
While these figures await confirmation by the Federal Elections Commission, the event’s lavish dinners, including a menu featuring baby greens salad, beef filet, scallops, and key lime pie, underscored the opulence surrounding the retreat.