DeSantis holds Florida fundraiser benefitting Trump, raising over $3 million
Eric Daugherty contributed to this report.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Former President Donald Trump thanked Gov. Ron DeSantis for supporting him during a donor event hosted by the governor, raising over $3 million to benefit Trump’s 2024 campaign, Florida’s Voice has learned.
The former president called into the Fort Lauderdale event and thanked DeSantis and the couple dozen supporters for their investment into his campaign efforts.
The funding is going to Right For America, a super political action committee, a source familiar with the event told Florida’s Voice. A super PAC is technically separate from the campaign, and the organization supports Trump’s bid for presidency this year.
Trump emphasized during a call with DeSantis that raising funds for the PAC is where he wants the governor to “focus” his time, the AP reported.
“Ron, I love that you’re back,” Trump said Thursday over the phone during the event, according to sources reported by the Associated Press.
The AP reported that the arrangement of funds to the super PAC, rather than directly to Trump, was set up to relieve worries that the money would simply pay the former president’s legal bills.
Sergio Gor, CEO of Right for America PAC, told Florida’s Voice the group is “thrilled” at DeSantis’ efforts.
“We look forward to ensuring President Donald Trump is elected in November,” Gor said.
Robert J. Salvador, a DeSantis donor and vocal online supporter of the governor, weighed in on the fundraising news in exclusive comments to Florida’s Voice.
“I’m not surprised at all. DeSantis recently said he would fundraise for Trump at an event with his close donors and supporters,” Salvador said. “He’s a man of his word, when he says he’s going to do something he does it, just like he did in Florida with everything from School Choice to Protecting Children.”
“This is definitely a good thing for the GOP and the USA. When the 2 best players in sports come together, they win championships. Same thing here,” he said. “Trump and DeSantis are the leaders of the party and best positioned to save America.”
“It was also great to see Trump address some of the concerns from DeSantis’ donors about use of funds and allow the raise to happen with a PAC. Very strategic of Trump,” Salvador said.
