Former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a rally at the Iowa States Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa, U.S. (Photo : REUTERS/Rachel Mummey)
Former President Donald Trump has garnered over $34 million in campaign funds for his potential 2024 presidential bid since the beginning of 2023, thanks in part to a surge in donations following the announcement of criminal charges against him in New York. His fundraising sum after the March 30 indictment was nearly equal to what he amassed in the previous three months.
Trump's upcoming Federal Election Commission filing, due Saturday, will disclose that he raised over $18.8 million between his primary campaign account and a joint fundraising account during the first quarter of the year, according to the campaign.
Out of the total funds collected between January 1 and March 31, $4 million was raised after Trump's indictment on March 30 by a Manhattan grand jury in connection with a hush money case from the 2016 election.
Politico was the first to report the fundraising figures.
Following the news of his indictment, Trump began soliciting funds for his campaign, amassing $15.4 million between the announcement of the charges and Saturday's fundraising report deadline.
Facing several other criminal investigations, Trump has attempted to rally his supporters by portraying these cases as politically motivated. He has labeled the New York charges as "election interference," while also suggesting they may boost his support.
In the early stages of the 2024 presidential race, Trump has maintained a strong presence within the GOP field. However, many high-dollar GOP donors have sought to direct their support elsewhere. Prior to his indictment, Trump's campaign fundraising had not reached the substantial amounts he previously raised as president.
A few candidates have officially entered the race, including Trump's former UN ambassador Nikki Haley, ex-Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, and tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. More candidates, such as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, are anticipated to join the race by the next fundraising report deadline in mid-July.
