Former President Donald Trump is set to host a Republican gathering in Florida, where he will meet with potential vice-presidential candidates.
The two-day retreat, taking place in Palm Beach, is anticipated to draw over 400 donors and prominent politicians, providing Trump with an opportunity to assess his prospective running mates while also leveraging their presence to attract financial support.
With Trump embroiled in legal battles, including a criminal trial in Manhattan over a hush-money payment to Stormy Daniels, the event aims to bolster his campaign finances, which have been depleted by mounting legal fees.
Among those expected to attend are North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, and Senators Marco Rubio, Tim Scott, and J.D. Vance, along with Representative Elise Stefanik.
Trump’s strategic use of potential VP contenders underscores his adeptness at leveraging their presence to enhance fundraising efforts and shift media attention.
The retreat will feature briefings on the state of the race, election integrity, and insights from Trump’s campaign managers and pollster.
Most of the activities will occur at the Four Seasons hotel, with a fundraising lunch scheduled at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate.
Attendance at the retreat is limited to donors who have raised $25,000 for Trump or couples who have raised $100,000.
Despite the gathering, Trump is in no rush to select a running mate, with formal nomination expected at the Republican convention in July.
However, speculation surrounds the standing of certain candidates, particularly Governor Noem, whose recent revelation about shooting a dog in her memoir may have impacted her favorability in Trump’s eyes.
Trump’s campaign finances face strain, with over $59 million spent on legal fees since 2023. President Joe Biden maintains a fundraising advantage, with approximately $85 million in campaign funds compared to Trump’s $45 million.
In addition to the Florida event, Trump is slated to hold a high-dollar fundraiser in New York on May 14.
