Trump Aims to Close Fundraising Gap with Biden at Palm Beach Donor Retreat

Former President Donald Trump is hosting top Republican donors and potential running mates in Palm Beach, Florida, with a focus on closing his fundraising gap with President Biden ahead of the 2024 election.

Former President Donald Trump is aiming to close his fundraising gap with President Biden in their 2024 election rematch at a weekend donor retreat in Palm Beach, Florida.

The Republican National Committee's (RNC) Spring Donor Retreat, which began Friday, is closed to the press and being held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Palm Beach and Trump's Mar-a-Lago club nearby.

Trump's appearance at the retreat comes as he faces a nearly three-dozen state felony charges in New York City for falsifying business records related to hush-money payments made during the 2016 election to keep quiet about his alleged affair with adult film actress Stormy Daniels. He has denied the allegations.

Despite the legal challenges, Trump is seeking to raise significant funds at the retreat to boost his campaign. Republican Jewish Coalition CEO Matt Brooks said "major donors are stepping up now in a big way" due to concerns about the country's direction.

Among the "special guests" listed at the retreat are potential running mates, including Sens. Tim Scott of South Carolina, JD Vance of Ohio, and Marco Rubio of Florida. Govs. Doug Burgum of North Dakota and Kristi Noem of South Dakota are also attending, along with House Reps. Elise Stefánik of New York and Byron Donalds of Florida, and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.

The Trump team has not indicated if the former president will hold one-on-one meetings with the potential running mates during the retreat. However, it is expected that such encounters may occur.

While the presence of the potential vice presidential candidates will draw media attention, sources involved in the gathering said fundraising is the primary focus.

Trump campaign senior adviser Brian Hughes said the retreat provides an opportunity for "the most dynamic leaders of our common sense movement to demonstrate the winning messages we have to end Biden’s weak and dangerously dishonest presidency."

The Biden campaign has criticized Trump for spending the weekend away from the campaign trail and raising funds from wealthy donors.

Meanwhile, Trump continues to face legal challenges ahead of the 2024 election. In addition to the New York case, he is also facing a criminal investigation by the Justice Department related to the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Despite the legal and fundraising hurdles, Trump remains a formidable figure in the Republican Party. His appearance at the Palm Beach donor retreat is a sign of his determination to regain the presidency in 2024.