Hundreds of donors receive favors from Trump’s fundraising machine post-election: Report

Following US President Donald Trump's re-election, his team has raised an astonishing $2 billion for political causes and projects he endorses, significantly exceeding contributions for his 2024 campaign.

An investigation by The New York Times published on Monday called it an astounding haul that hints at a level of transactionalism for which it is difficult to find obvious comparisons in modern American history

The Times analysis identified over half a billion dollars from 346 donors, each contributing at least $250,000; many of these donors have received favors, including pardons and government contracts.

The investigation reveals a highly transactional fundraising apparatus that lacks transparency, as donor identities are often kept confidential. Over half of the significant contributors have connections to Trump’s administration, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

Many of the deep-pocketed individuals and corporations who have offered large sums to Trump’s causes have a lot riding on the administration’s actions, raising questions about conflicts of interest.

Trump's inaugural committee alone amassed nearly $240 million -- more than double the previous record. His post-election fundraising efforts included the MAGA Inc. super PAC, which raised $200 million from 81 major donors.

Trump’s team also initiated funding for projects like the White House ballroom and America250, creating opportunities for donors to gain exclusive access to the president and his initiatives.

According to Trump, $350 million has been raised for his White House ballroom project. The Times has identified pledged or completed donations from 14 ballroom donors, which amount to about $100 million.

While no direct link has been established between donations and favorable treatment, the investigation uncovered numerous instances of donors receiving benefits after contributing to Trump’s causes.

Of the 346 donors, at least 197 have benefited, or are in industries that have benefited, from policies or actions of Trump or his administration, according to the report.

The benefits include pardons, favorable regulatory moves, the dropping of legal cases, access to the president and more.

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Officials from Donald Trump

For example, a $2.5 million donation to MAGA Inc. coincided with lenient legal outcomes for the donor's father, while major corporations like Palantir secured lucrative government contracts after their contributions.

This approach diverges from traditional post-inauguration fundraising practices, with past presidents typically focusing on party support rather than personal fundraising.

Trump’s exclusive fundraising strategy allows donors to simultaneously support his interests while seeking to influence policy.

Liz Huston, a White House spokeswoman, dismissed claims of impropriety, asserting that Trump's sole motivation is to improve the lives of Americans.

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