“GOP Plans $100,000 ‘Photo with Trump’ Session,” WSJ Reports, in All-Out Push to Raise Cash for Midterm Elections

[Financial News]  

The Republican Party (GOP) is preparing an event in which donors can have their picture taken with President Donald Trump at a convention in Dallas, Texas, as part of its efforts to raise funds for November’s midterm elections, The Wall Street Journal reported on the 1st local time. Donors who contribute $88,600 (approximately 120 million won) in political funds would be allowed to take a photo with the president. The plan seeks to raise campaign funds through an unusual midterm-election convention.
With fuel prices soaring after the Iran war began on February 28, the GOP appears to be going all in on raising money to turn around the election, amid growing expectations of defeat.
The Republican National Committee (RNC) has already sent invitations to two roundtables, one attended by the president and the other by the vice president.
According to the invitation to the roundtable with President Trump, scheduled for the 9th, the participation fee is $250,000 per person (approximately 343 million won). Donors can also have their picture taken with the president by paying an additional $88,600.
The roundtable attended by Vice President JD Vance the following day, the 10th, is priced at $75,000 per person (approximately 100 million won), while a photo with Vice President Vance costs $35,000 (approximately 48 million won).
Both Trump and Vance are scheduled to deliver keynote speeches at their respective roundtable events.
Trump himself, however, does not appear to have high expectations. He has repeatedly emphasized that the party in power usually loses in midterm elections. In an interview last weekend with former Republican Congressman Trey Gowdy, he said, "When you're president, whether you're a Republican or a Democrat, whether you're a good president or a bad president, you lose the midterms," adding, "Nobody knows why." He continued, "Some people like me more than they like the party."
The GOP expects Trump’s personal appearance at the convention to reverse the flow of political donations for the midterm elections.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, the Republican Senate candidate in Texas, has raised only $9 million so far, while Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico has secured $68 million.
The fundraising gap is also shaking up the race. Polls by Fox News, Cook Political Report, and the political research institute CfP show that a race initially leaning toward Paxton has now become competitive.
Trump has proven himself to be an effective fundraiser within the GOP. MAGA Inc., a super PAC linked to Trump, has raised more than $400 million ahead of this midterm election. MAGA Inc. has not yet decided which states to prioritize in allocating the funds.


[email protected] Song Kyung-jae Reporter