Following his conviction in the first criminal trial of a former or current president, Donald Trump has seen a surge in fundraising, significantly narrowing the fundraising gap between him and President Biden in their 2024 election rematch. In May, Trump and the Republican National Committee managed to outpace Biden and the Democratic National Committee in fundraising for the second consecutive month, erasing Biden’s once substantial fundraising lead. The cash-on-hand advantage that Biden previously held over Trump has now seemingly disappeared.
Biden’s campaign had been leading in fundraising for months, allowing them to dominate the airwaves with ads and establish a strong ground game operation. However, Trump’s fundraising efforts since securing the GOP nomination in March, coupled with a boost following his conviction, have put him in a position to compete with Biden in advertising and potentially build a robust ground operation.
While Biden has spent over $65 million on ads supporting his re-election, Trump has yet to launch a general election ad buy. However, a super PAC supporting Trump, Make America Great Again (MAGA) Inc., recently announced a $100 million ad blitz for the summer, fueled by a $50 million contribution from conservative banking heir Timothy Mellon. This move could challenge Biden’s current advantage in the ad wars.
On the ground game front, Biden’s campaign announced the establishment of 200 campaign offices and 1,000 staffers in key battleground states crucial for the election outcome. Despite Trump’s campaign claiming to have offices in swing states, they have not disclosed specific numbers. Trump’s campaign is following a leaner approach compared to 2020, relying on allied groups to bolster their ground game efforts.
As the election approaches, Trump’s team faces the task of catching up to Biden’s well-established infrastructure. However, there is still optimism for Trump’s campaign to grow its infrastructure and focus on building an authentic grassroots strategy. Greg Moore, a regional director for Americans For Prosperity, highlighted the enthusiasm among Trump’s supporters as a potential advantage in recruiting volunteers.
In conclusion, the race between Trump and Biden in the 2024 election rematch is heating up as fundraising becomes more evenly matched. While Biden has enjoyed a lead in fundraising and infrastructure, Trump’s recent surge in donations and strategic moves indicate a competitive battle ahead. With both campaigns gearing up for an intense election season, the outcome remains uncertain as they navigate challenges and opportunities in the race to the White House.