In theory, it might seem impossible for a scandal-plagued politician to turn a criminal indictment into a grift. In practice, the relationship between Donald Trump and his followers is not normal.
Nearly two weeks ago, after the former president predicted that he’d soon be indicted by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, the Republican raised $1.5 million in just three days. About one hour after the indictment news was confirmed, Team Trump returned to the well. My MSNBC colleague Hayes Brown noted yesterday afternoon:
The Trump campaign is never one to miss an opportunity to make a buck or two. Already a fundraising email pegged to the indictment has hit supporters’ inboxes.
There wasn’t anything especially remarkable about the brief appeal, which used the phrase “witch hunt” four times before begging for cash, but its existence stood out: When scandal-plagued politicians typically face criminal charges, they tend to respond with some combination of fear and embarrassment. Trump keeps seeing fundraising opportunities.
Indeed, a few hours after the first appeal went out, NBC News highlighted the second:
In response to the first indictment of a former president, Trump’s 2024 re-election campaign is selling T-shirts. “What better way to show your support for President Trump and our incredible movement during this dark chapter in our nation’s history than to proudly wear the brand-new ‘I Stand with President Trump’ T-shirt,” the campaign said in an email to supporters Thursday night. The email asks donors to contribute $47 before midnight to get a shirt “for FREE.”
It wasn’t just Trump. Around the same time as the T-shirt pitch went out, Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, appearing rather emotional, pleaded with GOP viewers to send money to the former president.
“They’re trying to bleed him dry,” the South Carolina Republican said without explaining who “they” might be. Graham added, “Donald J. Trump dot com. Go…
Read the full article here
