Former President Donald J. Trump’s political account used to cover his legal expenses has dropped to less than $4 million after accounting for debts, as per new federal election filings.
In 2024, Mr. Trump has been spending almost $5 million per month through his PAC, Save America, with the majority of the funds going towards legal fees. By the end of May, he had just enough cash to cover one month of legal expenses.
Instead of using his personal funds, Mr. Trump has been relying on donor contributions through his PAC to fund his legal bills, avoiding tapping into his own fortune. His campaign committee has not been used for legal expenses.
Mr. Trump is facing multiple legal threats alongside his 2024 presidential campaign, including a recent trial in New York where he was found guilty of 34 felony counts. He is also indicted in three other criminal cases, all requiring expensive legal representation, with his PAC covering legal costs for civil cases.
During the Manhattan criminal trial in May, Mr. Trump paid $1.8 million to Todd Blanche’s firm, who was his lead lawyer for the New York trial and is involved in two federal cases where Mr. Trump is indicted. Since leaving office in early 2021, Mr. Trump has spent over $100 million on legal and investigation-related expenses.
As of the end of May, Save America had $4,474,030 in funds with $861,630 in unpaid bills. The legal cases have been costly but have also spurred donations from Mr. Trump’s base. Following his criminal conviction, the Trump campaign raised $53 million online, reshaping the financial landscape for 2024.
More funds are expected from the fundraising agreement Mr. Trump made with the Republican National Committee. While the party is not directly funding his legal bills, major contributions are being sent to Mr. Trump’s PAC, with the Trump 47 Committee accumulating donations.
Mr. Trump’s legal defense fund, set up months ago, continues to raise money but lacks updated public disclosure. The fund was initially intended for Mr. Trump’s advisers, with the possibility of expansion. His lawyers are among the highest-paid during the filing period.
In addition to payments to Mr. Blanche, Save America’s significant legal payments in May included sums to John F. Lauro, Continental PLLC, and Chris Kise & Associates. The PAC’s largest non-legal expense was a payment to Mr. Trump’s property in Bedminster, New Jersey, for lodging and catering.
Monthly payments for “strategy consulting” have been made to Hervé Pierre Braillard, a stylist who previously worked with Melania Trump.
