THE VILLAGES, FLORIDA — The Trump campaign is working to flip key donors ahead of Governor Ron DeSantis’ highly anticipated presidential run in 2024, a new report shows.
A Pro-Trump political consulting firm sent a memo to top DeSantis donors in an effort to paint the governor as a long-shot candidate for the White House, according to Politico.
In the memo, pollster John McLaughlin cites a dozen recent polls that show Trump holding a double-digit lead over DeSantis.
“It is very clear that President Trump has gained strong majority support from Republican primary voters against any opponent,” McLaughlin asserts. “Since February President Trump in any multicandidate field is building majority support and his potential opponents are either fading or not generating any significant support at all.”
TRUMP’S “WINDFALL” INDICTMENT
Although several polls in recent months have shown DeSantis ahead of Trump, the former president is looking to capitalize on a momentous week. Trump’s indictment has prompted a wave of support across the country over what conservatives consider to be brazen political persecution.
“Any reputable poll now shows Republican primary voters are appalled, angry and are unifying behind President Trump in his nomination,” the memo states. “Voters and reported donations to the Trump campaign are increasing exponentially.”
“The indictment has proven to be a windfall for the Trump campaign, which through Wednesday has raised over $12 million since it emerged last week that the former president was facing charges, according to a person familiar with the totals,” Politico’s Alex Isenstadt wrote. “The person said that one-third of those who have given are first-time donors to Trump.”
Both Trump and DeSantis are financially well-positioned for the 2024 race. A super PAC supporting DeSantis announced it has raised $30 million, the New York Times reported on Monday.