On Tuesday, former President Donald Trump was in New York City to take a stand against GOP campaigns that have been using his name and image for fundraising purposes without his consent. In a letter sent to GOP vendors, the Trump campaign demanded that all candidates and committees using Trump’s name, image, and likeness split a minimum of 5% of all fundraising solicitations with the Trump National Committee JFC.
Trump has been trailing behind President Joe Biden in fundraising and this crackdown may be an attempt to make up for lost ground. 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.
The Trump campaign also reminded other campaigns not to impersonate the former president, suggest that donors are disloyal if they don’t donate, or mention the Trump family without the campaign’s consent. The letter warned that any vendor whose clients ignored these guidelines would be held responsible for their actions, with repeated violations resulting in a suspension of business relationships with the Trump National Committee JFC.
Republicans have been using Trump’s name and face for years to raise money from GOP voters. However, it seems like things have changed now as Trump is taking steps to ensure that he receives a portion of the funds raised in his name.