Former President Donald Trump’s campaign is leveraging GoFundMe to galvanize its network of affluent supporters and everyday donors for the benefit of those affected by his attempted assassination in July and the devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene. The unconventional move deviates from traditional avenues of emergency relief.
Two prominent fundraisers, organized by Trump’s national finance director, have amassed over $14 million. Legal experts affirm that this effort does not breach campaign finance laws, and all proceeds must go directly to the intended causes. A GoFundMe spokesperson confirmed that the majority of the funds collected for Butler, Pennsylvania, have already been disbursed.
This use of a crowdfunding platform represents an unorthodox approach from a political campaign. Historically, major party presidential candidates have not utilized for-profit crowdfunding sites typically associated with personal financial appeals to mobilize supporters for charitable purposes.
Campaign finance attorney Brett Kappel described the move as “pretty unusual and actually quite odd.” In natural disaster scenarios, it is more common for candidates to direct campaign funds to IRS-approved nonprofits. Kappel highlighted that U.S. Sen. Tim Scott’s 2022 campaign, for instance, donated to the American Red Cross following Hurricane Ian’s impact on South Carolina.
Brian Hughes, a spokesperson for Trump’s campaign, indicated that the initiative was driven by Trump’s desire to provide his supporters a mechanism to offer direct assistance. The finance team’s role, Hughes explained, stemmed from their expertise in managing large accounts, ensuring that all funds are directed exclusively to those affected.
According to Hughes, more than $6.5 million of the $7.7 million raised for Hurricane Helene recovery efforts had been distributed by October 11. Trump’s supporters contributed generously, with notable figures such as Bill Ackman, CEO of Pershing Square, and UFC President Dana White each donating $100,000. Republican U.S. Sen. Rick Scott announced on social media that he donated $50,000 from his salary to aid victims in Butler, Pennsylvania. The Heritage Foundation also contributed.
GoFundMe imposes a transaction fee of 2.9% plus 30 cents per donation to cover associated charges. Meredith O’Rourke, the fundraiser organizer, provided a verified distribution plan to ensure the safe allocation of donations, as required by GoFundMe protocols.
Campaign finance expert Andrew Herman suggested that while online crowdfunding is less regulated, directing supporters to a recognized nonprofit might have been more advisable. “There’s no black letter law that says they can’t do this. Should they? Of course not,” he remarked.
Hughes noted that further disbursements from the Butler fundraiser are forthcoming, with the majority already benefiting the families of the three people shot. Some funds also compensated a local crane rental company financially impacted by the police investigation following Trump’s rally.
Funds raised for Hurricane Helene victims have been distributed to several nonprofits. Samaritan’s Purse expressed gratitude for Trump’s support, although they did not specify the donation amount. Water Mission, a nonprofit focused on building safe water solutions, confirmed receiving funds without disclosing the total. Mtn2Sea Ministries, which provides generators and supplies post-disaster, announced it received $25,000 to purchase gift cards for local businesses, aiming to directly aid those in need.
Benjamin Soskis of the Urban Institute’s Center on Nonprofits and Philanthropy explained that Trump’s campaign’s inclination toward crowdfunding aligns with its general skepticism of traditional institutions. GoFundMe’s appeal as an alternative to institutional charitable giving aligns with this mindset.
However, Soskis cautioned that crowdfunding offers less accountability compared to public charities, which must disclose their finances annually. He noted that Trump’s past philanthropic activities, which have faced legal scrutiny, likely contribute to heightened oversight. In 2019, Trump was fined $2 million for misusing his charitable foundation to further his interests.
“It is a combustible dynamic when you combine campaigning and charitable giving. The extra dynamics of crowdfunding and Trump’s own history with philanthropy add more fuel to that fire,” Soskis concluded.