Plummeting Donations: Trump's Battle with Small-Dollar Donors
Donald Trump's support from small-dollar donors has significantly dropped since his last presidential campaign. This decline presents a financial hurdle as Democrats thrive in grassroots fundraising. Over-reliance on wealthy donors and aggressive solicitation strategies have negatively impacted Republican fundraising efforts, frustrating many voters and contributing to the decline.
- Country:
- United States
Donald Trump's campaign is grappling with a sharp decline in small-dollar donations, posing a financial challenge compared to previous presidential efforts. This drop signifies a potential hurdle as the former president faces a robust Democratic grassroots fundraising mechanism.
Data analyzed by The Associated Press and OpenSecrets reveals that fewer than a third of Trump's campaign contributions come from donors giving less than $200, a sharp decrease from nearly half during his 2020 run. This financial shift forces Trump to depend more on affluent donors, which undercuts his initial populist appeal.
GOP insiders warn this could signal broader challenges for the party, as an aging donor base may find it increasingly difficult to contribute financially. The aggressive strategies in digital fundraising have also alienated small-dollar donors, leading to frustration and questions about where contributions are directed, further complicating Republican fundraising efforts.
(With inputs from agencies.)