The new shared fund-raising agreement between former President Donald J. Trump and the Republican National Committee directs a portion of donations to his legal account before any funds go to the party itself.
The detailed breakdown of how funds from big donors will be allocated through the Trump 47 Committee was revealed in the fine print of an invitation to a high-priced dinner in Palm Beach, Fla.
The invitation outlines that the first $6,600 donated will go to Mr. Trump’s campaign, followed by $5,000 to his Save America PAC, which covers his legal expenses. This is the maximum amount allowed by federal rules for individual contributions to Save America.
Subsequently, the R.N.C. will receive $413,000, with state parties receiving funds thereafter.
This means that donors above $6,600 will primarily be supporting Mr. Trump’s legal account. The timing of this agreement is crucial as Save America is running low on funds.
The prioritization of Mr. Trump’s Save America PAC over the Republican National Committee was first reported by The Associated Press.
This fundraising agreement comes after Mr. Trump has assumed a more prominent role in the R.N.C., appointing new leadership and making significant restructuring changes.
While Mr. Trump leads in the polls for the upcoming election, he lags behind in campaign funds compared to President Biden. The April 6 dinner is expected to be a major fundraising event with notable co-chairs.
Despite the majority of funds going to the party at such high-priced events, a significant portion under this agreement will go to Mr. Trump’s PAC in smaller events.
Officials have vehemently denied claims that R.N.C. funds will be used for Mr. Trump’s legal fees. The new arrangement allows Mr. Trump to use larger donations for legal matters without involving the R.N.C.
Similar joint fundraising agreements are common in presidential campaigns. However, Mr. Trump’s inclusion of a PAC to cover legal expenses is unusual.
Mr. Trump is increasing the percentage of donations going to his PAC, demonstrating a strategic shift in fundraising tactics.
A spokesperson for Mr. Trump has not responded to requests for comment.
