Former President Donald Trump appears more focused on personal profits than on his campaign efforts, leading to what some analysts describe as a “farewell tour vibe.” Philip Bump from The Washington Post highlights that Trump is increasingly selling merchandise, including sneakers, digital images, and even Bibles, instead of properly staffing his campaign.
The Shift in Focus
All presidential candidates typically engage their supporters with various appeals, primarily aimed at securing campaign contributions. However, Bump points out that Trump seems to prioritize personal sales over traditional fundraising. While Trump’s campaign does make appeals for contributions, he is also actively promoting his products, diverting his attention from key campaign activities.
This approach is unusual for a presidential candidate and has led some observers to feel that his current campaign lacks the seriousness and structure of past elections. Trump’s marketing efforts include bizarre items, such as $299 sneakers featuring his image, particularly after an assassination attempt. Such strategies contribute to the perception that Trump is treating his campaign more like a business venture rather than a political pursuit.
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A Skeleton Crew Campaign
Compounding the issue, Trump’s campaign is reportedly operating with a minimal staff, relying heavily on independent right-wing groups and super PACs, including one funded by tech billionaire Elon Musk. In fact, Trump’s team is employing significantly fewer staff members compared to previous campaigns, particularly when compared to Barack Obama’s re-election effort in 2012.
Analysis of Trump’s spending reveals that only one percent of his August expenditures went toward payroll. In contrast, Vice President Kamala Harris allocated over seven percent of her budget to staff salaries. This lack of investment in campaign personnel likely impacts Trump’s fundraising abilities, limiting his financial resources for key campaign operations.
The Implications of Neglect
The ramifications of Trump’s fundraising strategy are evident. As he runs a campaign with a limited traditional get-out-the-vote operation, the campaign’s overall effectiveness is compromised. Bump suggests that Trump might feel little pressure to enhance his staffing and fundraising efforts, especially since polls show him running nearly even with Harris despite her substantial spending advantage.
This situation raises questions about Trump’s commitment to his campaign. Instead of focusing on raising funds for campaign operations, he seems to prioritize encouraging supporters to purchase products that benefit him personally. This strategy might provide short-term financial gain, but it could undermine his long-term political ambitions.
