Trump discussing 2024 plans at secret donor dinners [View all]

[Nevilledog]

Link to tweet

https://www.politico.com/news/2022/07/13/trump-2024-secret-donor-dinners-00045665

Donald Trump has quietly convened some of his wealthiest and highest-profile supporters for intimate dinners in recent weeks, where the groups have talked about the former president’s 2024 election plans — and debated when he should make his expected comeback bid official.

The gatherings have taken place in Houston, Nashville and, last Friday evening, in Las Vegas, where billionaire casino mogul and longtime Trump friend Phil Ruffin implored the ex-president to launch another run for the White House soon. The consensus has been that Trump should run again — the only question being when he should announce, with most echoing Ruffin’s view but others saying Trump would be better served by waiting until after the midterm elections.

The previously unreported dinners, which were described by four attendees, provide a window into Trump’s deliberations and show how he has quietly begun to reassemble the political network that he cultivated in the White House. With other potential Republican candidates circling, holding their own donor meetings and making plans for 2024 runs, the former president is taking subtle but concrete steps to prepare for his next campaign.

The informal, off-the-record dinners are not designed to focus on the 2024 race and typically center on other issues — during one, South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham got into a contentious back-and-forth with country music star John Rich over coronavirus vaccines, and the Las Vegas group talked about the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The meals are hosted by Save America, Trump’s leadership PAC, for the purpose of briefing on the former president’s endorsement record in the midterms and his plans for the fall election. Trump has often pointed to political adviser Brian Jack to run through his successes in primaries.

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Imma call bullshit.... He's announced to them he's running, but doing this to take in money without having to report it to the FEC.