Nancy Cook | Bloomberg News (TNS)
WASHINGTON — Donald Trump’s campaign for president is asking other Republicans to give money if they use the ex-president’s name, image, or likeness in fundraising requests, according to a new campaign memo obtained by Bloomberg News.
The memo, signed by co-campaign managers, Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita, requests that all candidates and committees who use Trump in their fundraising appeals, donate at least 5% of the money they earn to Trump’s political operation. The letter states that giving more than 5% is viewed positively and reported to the “highest levels of leadership” at both the Republican National Committee and Trump’s campaign.
The memo advises candidates not to speak on behalf of Trump, create unauthorized memberships or clubs, impersonate Trump, or use a “one-click donation” feature when mentioning the former president. It also asks candidates to not use any mention of the president’s family without consent.
The memo, dated April 15, was sent to Republican vendors and was first reported by Politico.
It’s common for well-known candidates with large donor lists, called “house files,” to fundraise via text or email for politicians with smaller followings, splitting the donations. The practice, called tandem fundraising, can help challengers and down-ballot candidates tap into national donor networks and raise their name recognition.
This request comes as the Trump campaign and RNC are attempting to keep up with President Joe Biden’s prolific fundraising advantage. Although Trump had a successful fundraiser that earned more than $50 million in early April, he and his team are struggling to close the gap with Biden.
Many longtime GOP billionaires are undecided on supporting Trump, and wealthy Wall Street financiers have yet to rally around his candidacy, while Biden is easily drawing money from Wall Street, Hollywood, and tech sectors.
The Trump campaign is using new methods to raise money outside of traditional fundraisers, such as taking a cut from using Trump’s image or name, selling sneakers to supporters, and relying on small-dollar donors energized by Trump’s legal problems and legal issues.
(With assistance from Bill Allison.)
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