Former President Donald Trump and his political action committee, Save America, are facing significant financial challenges as they grapple with mounting legal fees. According to a source familiar with the matter, Save America has already spent over $40 million on legal costs since the beginning of this year.
Leadership PAC Spends Over $40 Million:
The PAC, primarily funded through small-dollar donations from Trump’s supporters, is expected to report to the Federal Election Commission that it incurred $40.2 million in legal expenses in the first half of 2023 – more than double the amount spent on legal fees during the entire 2022.
"In order to combat these heinous actions by Joe Biden's cronies and to protect these innocent people from financial ruin and prevent their lives from being completely destroyed, the leadership PAC contributed to their legal fees to ensure they have representation against unlawful harassment," said Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung.
Trump’s team asserts that the substantial financial resources devoted to defending the former president and his inner circle are imperative, given the increasing legal troubles Trump is entangled in.
To address the enormous bills incurred, Trump’s team is setting up the Patriot Legal Defense Fund Inc. The new fund, led by Trump associate and adviser Michael Glassner, is expected to assist with the legal expenses of some of Trump’s current and former aides and employees who are involved in various investigations.
Lynne Patton, a close aide to Trump in both the Trump Organization and his administration, will also play a role in the fund.
The financial strain on Save America PAC has been significant, to the point where it reportedly requested a refund on a $60 million contribution it made to another group supporting the Republican front-runner. The magnitude of legal costs incurred this year alone, surpassing $40 million, has raised concerns about the PAC’s financial stability.
"The weaponized Department of Justice has continued to go after innocent Americans because they worked for President Trump and they know they have no legitimate case," stated Steven Cheung, referring to the legal actions against Trump and his allies as "heinous actions by Joe Biden's cronies."
Campaign finance experts are divided on whether Trump can continue using the PAC to cover his personal legal bills, as he became a candidate last November. Despite the mounting financial challenges, Trump has asserted that he would use his own money if necessary to support his campaign.
The legal troubles facing Trump and his allies are substantial. A federal grand jury recently handed up a superseding indictment in the special counsel Jack Smith’s investigation, accusing Trump and two others, Carlos De Oliveira and Trump aide Walt Nauta, of obstructing justice by allegedly attempting to delete surveillance video footage at Mar-a-Lago in 2022.
Trump has also faced a 34-count indictment in New York state court related to hush money payments to Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. Additionally, he is under investigation for his actions surrounding January 6th and his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.
As the legal battles intensify, financial resources are critical for mounting a robust defense. Trump and his allies have consistently urged supporters to donate to Save America, although some critics have raised concerns about the use of funds.
The disclosures to the Federal Election Commission on Monday will shed further light on the financial situation of the PAC and its implications for Trump’s political and legal circumstances.