On Tuesday, former President Donald Trump sent a stern warning to GOP campaigns using his name and face for fundraising purposes. In a letter addressed to GOP vendors, the Trump campaign demanded that these campaigns send them a 5% cut of any money raised in this way.
The Trump campaign also reminded other campaigns not to impersonate the former president. This comes after years of Republicans using Trump’s name and image to raise money from GOP voters without his consent.
In the letter, 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. The letter also urged fundraising Republicans not to impersonate Trump, suggest that donors are disloyal to him if they don’t donate, or mention the Trump family without the campaign’s consent.
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.
Trump has been known for taking strict action against those who use his name without permission or who do not adhere to his guidelines. This move is just another example of how he is determined to protect himself from being misrepresented or misused by others in the political arena.