The “temper tantrums” of former president Trump this week have helped Republican presidential contender Nikki Haley raise nearly $4 million.
Additional remarks Trump made this week helped her collect another $3 million more for her war chest. Trump allegedly tried to “push her out” via the Republican National Committee, but Haley blasted him for it and went on to raise $1.4 million.
Trump is stepping up attempts to get prospective megadonors to join the campaign through personal calls, motorcade rides, and meals at his Mar-a-Lago private club. He was accompanied by casino billionaire Steve Wynn and aerospace entrepreneur Robert Bigelow to his latest campaign event in Nevada. Don Ahern and Robert Bigelow also spent the night of the New Hampshire primary with Trump. Trump will host a fundraiser at a private residence in Palm Beach, Florida, where wealthy contributors are anticipated to dine with him.
An increase from $13 million in the first half of last year, officials with MAGA, Inc., the super PAC backing Trump, claim to have raised over $46 million in the second half of 2023. In the days leading up to next month’s South Carolina primary, Haley—Trump’s closest remaining opponent for the Republican nomination—has begun a massive fundraising drive, with plans to host at least thirteen events nationwide.
In a Monday statement, Trump’s campaign managers claimed that despite her backing from Americans for Prosperity Action—the political arm of the deep-pocketed network linked with Kansas billionaire Charles Koch—there is no way she can win the Republican nominee.
Donors from Florida who are part of the American Opportunity Alliance are another group that Haley’s campaign will likely address. The Chicago Cubs’ Ricketts family members and hedge fund tycoons Ken Griffin and Paul Singer are among its members. Citadel CEO Griffin lauded Haley for her tremendous track record of leadership but stated that he will keep attention on legislative contests while voters decide who will serve as the Republican Party’s presidential nominee.
Many conservative organizations and individuals who were against Trump’s candidacy have now declared that they would not rest until Republicans take back the Senate and the House in November. Griffin’s spokeswoman, Zia Ahmed, confirmed that the billionaire sent $5 million to a super PAC endorsing Haley’s campaign in January.
