GoFundMe’s supposed connection to Donald Trump has raised eyebrows, particularly after the platform backed a fundraiser for the ex-president, aimed at covering his hefty civil fraud penalty.
Stand with Trump
Elena Cardone, wife of real estate mogul Grant Cardone, initiated the fundraiser named “Stand with Trump; Fund the $355M Unjust Judgment” last Friday.
This move follows Judge Arthur Engoron’s decision mandating Trump to pay about $355 million in fines.
$600K Raised
The fundraiser has successfully collected upwards of $600,000 from over 11,000 contributors as of the morning of February 20. Yet, it hasn’t escaped scrutiny.
A Policy Violation?
Critics argue that the campaign might violate GoFundMe’s policies, which prohibit raising funds for “the legal defense of alleged financial and violent crimes.”
According to GoFundMe’s terms, donations are only permitted for individuals or charities.
GoFundMe Responds
On Monday, Jalen Drummond, the platform’s director of public affairs, clarified to Newsweek, “This fundraiser is currently within our terms of service.”
The Trump-Drummond Connection
Following Drummond’s statement, further scrutiny has been cast on the fundraiser, especially considering his past ties with Trump. His professional history notably includes a period as an assistant press secretary for the Trump administration.
White House Tenure
Drummond’s LinkedIn indicates a tenure as associate director at the White House Office of Communications from November 2019 to August 2020, followed by his role as assistant press secretary from August 2020 to January 2021, coinciding with Trump’s departure.
A Proud Moment
Drummond’s promotion to assistant press secretary was a point of personal pride, as he shared on Facebook, an event covered by the Trussville Tribune in Alabama.
Praising Trump
Drummond expressed, “No President has accomplished more at this point in his first term than President Trump and he has shown time and again that he’s not afraid to confront and take on the big challenges facing this country.“
Tribute to Trump’s Presidency
“The American people elected Donald Trump because they saw a fighter who could lower taxes, broker reciprocal trade deals, bring jobs back, secure the border, rebuild the military, strengthen alliances, confront our enemies, fight for the vulnerable, appoint conservative judges, and get the Washington Swamp out of their daily lives,” he added.
“Promises made, promises kept!”
A Lifetime Honor
After his White House tenure, he tweeted a photo with Trump, describing the experience as “an honor of a lifetime.”
Eve of Capitol Riot
In 2022, Maggie Haberman of The New York Times reported that Drummond attended a meeting with Trump and his staff on January 5, 2021, the eve of the Capitol riot.
He was subsequently invited to provide voluntary testimony before the House Select Committee investigating the attack.
Trump’s Financial Woes
Trump’s recent financial woes stem from a ruling that he and top Trump Organization executives committed fraud by overstating asset values for better terms from lenders and insurers.
Rising Legal Bills
New York Attorney General Letitia James initiated the lawsuit, initially seeking $250 million in damages, later raising it to $370 million, plus interest. Given New York State’s 9 percent interest rate on damages, the total judgment now surpasses $450 million, a figure that grows daily until the judgment is settled.
Social Media Skepticism
On X, previously known as Twitter, several users expressed concerns that the fundraiser might violate the platform’s policies against raising money for individuals convicted of crimes, prompting calls for its closure.
Against GoFundMe Rules?
Ginny McDonald commented, “Hey @gofundme I think you have to shut this down. Trump can’t profit from his crime according to your guidelines.”
Another user questioned, “Hey @gofundme, isn’t it against your rules to raise money for criminals?”
Eyebrows Raised
A third user pointed out, “Dear @gofundme, the Trump fundraiser violates your rules unless you will fund people CONVICTED of financial and violent crimes as Trump has been.”
Another remarked, “If true, Trump is violating your rules by accepting donations to repay himself for his defense. ‘GoFundMe does not allow campaigns for the legal defense of financial crimes.’ Trump is violating your terms & any funds shouldn’t reach him.”
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