Breaking tonight, the Republican National Committee is currently reviewing a draft resolution to declare former President Trump the presumptive nominee of the party, despite the active campaign of Nikki Haley. This development has sparked criticism, with concerns that it may preempt millions of primary voters who are yet to cast their votes. A committee spokesperson explained that the resolutions committee will consider the matter and decide whether to bring it to a vote at the upcoming annual meeting next week. The intense pushback from the Haley camp is to be expected, while former President Trump has stated his intention to take decisive action against individuals who financially support Haley's rival presidential campaign.
The contest between the frontrunner, former President Trump, and his main competitor, Nikki Haley, has given rise to a significant battle for campaign funds. Former President Trump has now resorted to threatening Haley's donors, warning that they will be permanently barred from the MAGA (Make America Great Again) camp. Haley has responded to this attack by voicing defiance and urging supporters to donate to her campaign. The personal nature of Trump's attacks is also evident, as he refers to one of the biggest donors to Haley's campaign, Reed Hoffman, as a 'big slob.' Hoffman, a co-founder of LinkedIn and a traditional Democratic donor, has reportedly stated that he will not contribute further to Haley's campaign unless she can demonstrate a viable path to victory. Another prominent donor for Haley has publicly declared that it is over for her in this election cycle, asserting that her failure to win in New Hampshire was a definitive blow to her chances.
Despite these challenges, Haley remains resilient and insists that grassroots fundraising is still yielding positive results. She claims to have raised over $2 million since the New Hampshire primary, with the majority of donations coming from individual contributors with amounts of $200 or less. Additionally, the main super PAC supporting Haley has announced it raised $50.1 million in the second half of 2023, while Trump's super PAC brought in more than $46 million during the same period. Furthermore, officials from MAGA Inc have confirmed that they started 2024 with a substantial war chest of over $23 million.
Haley's campaign will have a better understanding of its fundraising prospects in the coming weeks, as three major Republican conferences are scheduled to take place. The outcome of these events, as well as the potential impact of further pressure from Trump, could determine whether Haley's donors may become hesitant to contribute.
In conclusion, the Republican National Committee's consideration of a draft resolution to declare former President Trump as the presumptive nominee has stirred controversy within the party. The battle for campaign funds between Trump and Haley has intensified, with Trump resorting to personal attacks and warnings against donors supporting his rival. While Haley remains steadfast in her pursuit, her campaign faces significant challenges in securing the necessary financial resources to compete effectively. The upcoming GOP conferences and potential influence from Trump will likely play a crucial role in shaping Haley's fundraising trajectory moving forward.
