NEW YORK, BRONX (ORDO News) Donald Trump‘s political apparatus has reportedly been diverting substantial sums to cover the legal expenses of numerous individuals ensnared in ongoing criminal investigations. This allocation of funds has raised questions about its potential impact on Trump‘s 2024 presidential aspirations, as millions of dollars are funneled away from his campaign war chest.
Reuters, through interviews and an examination of court records and campaign finance reports, has identified 13 individuals who have been either witnesses or co-defendants in various investigations. These individuals were represented by law firms that received payments from Trump’s Save America super PAC. Notably, these payments were reported as general disbursements to entities rather than as specific compensation for individuals.
Prominent law firms such as Brand Woodward, Dhillon Law Group, and Greenberg Traurig were among the beneficiaries, raking in over $2.1 million in the first half of the year. These payments constitute a significant portion of the more than $21 million that Save America’s FEC disclosures indicate was spent on legal expenses during that period. This amount may continue to rise as legal fees are expected to mount in the coming months.
For a few individuals, it has been confirmed that Save America indeed covered a portion of their legal fees. This includes Trump aides Jason Miller, Margo Martin, and Dan Scavino, as well as Trump Organization employee Matt Calamari Jr. The legal expenses for Mar-a-Lago IT worker Yuscil Taveras, identified as the unnamed computer specialist whose fees were covered by the committee, have also been reportedly paid.
While some legal experts argue that campaign finance regulations seem to permit such spending by Save America due to its status as a “leadership committee” with fewer spending limitations, others suggest that prosecutors may scrutinize these payments for potential attempts to influence witness testimony.
Trump’s legal defense in his four ongoing criminal cases could potentially exceed $50 million, a sum surpassing the funds raised by his campaign and top super PAC, Make America Great Again Inc., in the first half of the year. Some experts even predict that Trump’s legal fees could soar beyond $100 million.
It remains unclear how much of Save America’s funds were allocated to Trump’s personal legal counsel versus those for witnesses and co-defendants. Additionally, Reuters could not confirm whether additional Trump associates beyond the identified 13 had received support from the super PAC for their legal fees.
The allocation of Save America’s resources to Trump’s legal battles could have repercussions on his political standing, as an August Reuters/Ipsos poll revealed that 40% of Republicans found it inappropriate for campaign donations to be used for legal fees. This may affect his appeal to potential voters.
As Save America’s legal expenses mount, it may force Trump to seek financial support from other allied groups, such as the Republican Party, to cover the costs associated with his potential White House bid.
Meanwhile, Trump has been capitalizing on his legal battles by raising millions through the sale of merchandise featuring his mug shot. He has stated that he has ample personal resources, downplaying the financial impact of his legal expenditures on his campaign. The intersection of legal challenges and campaign financing remains a complex and evolving aspect of Trump’s political future.
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