Former President Donald Trump’s campaign reported a substantial increase in donations for September, averaging $60 per donor. This positions him well to dominate the airwaves leading up to Election Day. Filings with the Federal Election Commission reveal that the Trump campaign raised over $160 million last month across various committees, maintaining a cash reserve of $283 million as October begins.
Both fundraising and expenditures will be crucial in October, a period when many undecided voters begin to engage and make decisions about the candidates. This figure marks a significant rise from Trump’s August totals, where he raised approximately $30 million less.
“President Trump continues to inspire millions of everyday Americans to join his America First movement and help fuel the campaign with their hard-earned money. In September, nearly 2.5 million donations under $200 were made,” Trump campaign senior advisor Brian Hughes said in a statement to Spectrum News. “These supporters have allowed us to bank the funds we need as we move into the campaign’s final weeks.”
The widespread small-dollar support for President Trump is equally impressive, with his average donor contributing just $60 and 95% of all donations being $200 or less. This indicates that millions of Americans are willing to open their wallets and may continue to do so.
On Wednesday, Trump was on the fundraising circuit in Midland, Texas, where he attended a high-dollar event at the home of oil tycoon Jeffrey Hildebrand and his wife, Melinda. Despite President Joe Biden’s implicit acknowledgment of the need to expand domestic drilling, oil and gas executives have instead bolstered Trump’s fundraising efforts.
Another advantage for President Trump at this point in the season is the significant reduction in legal expenses related to his various criminal and civil cases. In July, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling that provides sitting or former presidents broad immunity for official actions. Soon after, a federal judge dismissed Trump’s classified documents case, determining that special counsel Jack Smith had been improperly appointed.
Additionally, Trump’s hush money trial ended unfavorably, while his election interference trial in Georgia has stalled as the embattled Democratic prosecutor struggles to maintain her position. At the peak of his legal challenges, Trump was spending over $50 million per month on attorney fees.
