WASHINGTON – The Republican National Committee is defending its right to use former President Donald Trump’s name in fundraising appeals after he demanded that they end the practice.
In a Monday letter to Trump Attorney Alex Cannon, JNC Chief Justice J. Justin Riemer said the committee “has every right to refer to public figures as it is a political speech delivered by the first amendment is protected “and stated that it will continue to do so in pursuit of these common objectives. ”
But he insisted that Trump also ‘reaffirmed’ RNC chairwoman Ronna McDaniel over the weekend, approving the current use of his name in fundraising and other materials, including for our upcoming donor retreat in Palm Strand to which we look forward to him participating. ”
Trump responded to the letter with a statement that called into question the agreement.
“No more money for RINOS, or only Republican,” he said. They do nothing but hurt the Republican Party and our large voting base – they will never lead us to Greatness. ‘
Instead, Trump urged his supporters to send their contributions directly to his own Save America PAC using his personal website, adding: “We will bring it all back stronger than ever before!”
The valve reflects the tension that has divided the GOP in the months since Trump left the White House. The party is eager to use its popularity among the Republican base to raise money before next year’s deadlines. But it is against Trump’s instinct to control the use of his name and image, as he wants to aim for himself as the undisputed leader of the GOP.
In his first major speech since his departure, Trump encouraged his supporters to donate their money to Save America, its political action committee, instead of the GOP’s traditional fundraising organizations. And on Friday, his group sent letters to the RNC and others asking them to immediately stop and end the unauthorized use of President Donald J. Trump’s name, image and / or parable in all fundraising, persuasion and / or remarks. “according to the RNC letter.
The House and Senate Republican campaign committees and a Trump spokesman did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The campaign of the RNC and Trump worked hand in hand during the 2020 election, including fundraising by a joint fundraising committee. And the ties between them remain.
Trump is expected to speak at the RNC’s spring donor retreat in Palm Beach, Florida in April, telling McDaniel that he wants to continue raising money for the RNC, even though he is raising cash for his own endeavors. . This includes taking revenge by supporting challengers to Republican incumbents who crossed him by voting to accuse him of inciting the Capitol riot.
Despite the letters, the RNC and others still raised Trump’s name fund.
“CONGRATULATIONS! You have been selected as one of the FIRST to be invited to claim your Trump Legacy membership,” the RNC wrote in one appeal on Sunday.
“We need 10,000 patriots who are still standing with President Trump tonight before midnight,” “URGENT: TRUMP SUPPORTERS NEEDED,” the National Republican Senate Committee added Monday afternoon.