On Tuesday, former President Donald Trump announced a crackdown on GOP campaigns that have been using his name and likeness for fundraising purposes. In a letter to GOP vendors, Trump demanded that these campaigns send him a 5% cut of any money raised in this way. The letter also reminded other campaigns not to impersonate the former president or suggest that donors were disloyal if they didn’t donate.
For years, Republicans have used Trump’s name and face to raise money from GOP voters. But now, Trump is taking steps to ensure that he receives a portion of the funds raised in his name. In the letter sent to GOP vendors, the Trump campaign stated that they are asking all candidates and committees using Trump’s name, image, and likeness to split a minimum of 5% of all fundraising solicitations with the Trump National Committee JFC.
Additionally, the Trump campaign is urging fundraising Republicans not to impersonate Trump or suggest that donors were disloyal if they didn’t donate. The letter warns that any vendor whose clients ignore these guidelines will be held responsible for their actions, with repeated violations resulting in a suspension of business relationships with the Trump National Committee JFC.
It is clear that Trump is taking steps to ensure that his name and likeness are not used without his consent and that he receives a portion of the funds raised in his name. This crackdown may be an attempt to make up for lost ground in fundraising as he trails behind President Joe Biden