- Trump’s leadership political action committee, Save America, raised $ 31.2 million at the end of last year.
- The fund was created a few days after the election.
- The funds can help build influence over the Republican Party as Trump heads to an impeachment trial.
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Former President Donald Trump’s political action committee, Save America, raised $ 31.2 million by the end of 2020, showed a new financial report submitted to the Federal Election Commission.
The PAC was created on November 9, just days after the presidential election and has so far spent just over $ 200,000 to subscribe merchant fees on the online fundraising platform, WinRed, CNN reported.
The report shows that most of the money was raised through fundraising appeals that asked for help to reverse the results of the 2020 elections.
Trump and his Republican allies made unsubstantiated allegations of electoral fraud, but lost several dozen lawsuits in that attempt.
Trump cannot directly use the funds for his own future political campaign, but is expected to help increase his influence over the Republican Party. The former president is expected to start an impeachment trial in the Senate during the week of February 8.
“The more money [Trump] accumulate on your committee, the greater your control over many elected Republicans who will fear that these resources could be turned against them, “Rob Stutzman, a California-based Republican consultant, told Politico.
Oma Seddiq of Business Insider reported that there are not many restrictions on how PAC donations could be spent, so Trump could use the funds for himself.
Because Save America is a leading PAC, there are fewer regulations than those linked to a campaign PAC, the Washington Post reported in December. Save America can receive unlimited contributions from individuals or up to $ 5,000 a year from other committees. Likewise, you can contribute up to $ 5,000 a year to other committees. Trump can’t use it to pay off campaign debts, but in addition, PAC is free to spend what he wants, when he wants.
The Post added that Trump could potentially use the funds to pay for golf club memberships, his travels or even rallies. He may even pay himself if he declares it as revenue.
The Politician reported that 75% of the funds of the Trump Make America Great Again Committee would also go to PAC Save America, and the other 25% would go to the Republican National Committee. This means that there is almost $ 60 million between the two Trump committees.
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Ten Republicans in the House voted alongside Democrats for Trump’s impeachment on charges of inciting an insurrection after his supporters violated the United States Capitol and clashed with the police, interrupting a joint session of Congress while lawmakers were expected to certify victory. of President Joe Biden in the January 6 elections
The attack left five dead.
Trump has already used the Save America PAC to show his influence. After Republican House Speaker Liz Cheney voted for Trump’s impeachment, PAC commissioned and released a poll on his prospects for re-election, CNN reported.