Followers of Donald Trump have initiated a GoFundMe campaign aimed at amassing funds to cover the hefty $355 million fine imposed on the former president following a New York civil fraud trial. The initiative, spearheaded by Elena Cardone, the spouse of real estate magnate Grant Cardone, seeks to alleviate the financial burden placed on Trump by New York State Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron's ruling on February 16, 2024.
The court found Trump and his business entities culpable of grossly inflating asset valuations on financial statements, a verdict that Trump vehemently disputes, denouncing Justice Engoron and Attorney General Letitia James as corrupt and accusing them of election interference. Trump has declared his intention to challenge the court's decision.
The GoFundMe page, christened "Stand with Trump; Fund the $355M Unjust Judgment," quickly captivated a segment of Trump's base, accumulating over $18,000 within hours of its inception. The campaign's description articulates a call to arms for Trump's supporters, framing the fundraising effort as a critical stand against perceived judicial bias and a corrupt legal system. "This is more than a legal fund; it's a clarion call to all patriots to rally in defense of a man who has never hesitated to stand in defense of us," Cardone penned on the campaign page.
Donald Trump Supporters Rally Financial Aid with GoFundMe Amid $355M Fine
Despite Trump's reported $2.6 billion net worth, the fundraising effort has not been without its detractors. Critics have lambasted the initiative, questioning the rationale behind crowdfunding for a billionaire and condemning the donors as misguided. The campaign has also stirred controversy over potential violations of GoFundMe's terms of service, specifically the prohibition against raising funds for the legal defense of alleged financial crimes. However, it's important to note that Trump's fine stems from a civil court judgment, not a criminal conviction.
The backlash has extended to alternative crowdfunding platforms, with far-right figure Laura Loomer advocating for the use of GiveSendGo, a platform she perceives as more aligned with conservative causes. "GoFundMe is anti-Trump and liberal," Loomer asserted, reflecting a broader sentiment among some of Trump's supporters regarding perceived political biases in crowdfunding platforms.
The GoFundMe endeavor has ignited a firestorm of reactions on social media, ranging from mockery to outright condemnation. Critics have seized the opportunity to highlight the paradox of soliciting public donations for a purported billionaire, with some labeling Trump's supporters as deluded for contributing to the cause.
Notably, the fundraising campaign has also drawn attention to the Cardones' alleged affiliations with Scientology, with journalist Yashar Ali accusing the couple of using their wealth to support the controversial organization's activities.
In response to the court's ruling, Attorney General Letitia James lauded the verdict as a long-overdue reckoning for Trump's fraudulent practices, stating, "He may have authored The Art of the Deal, but he perfected the art of the steal." Meanwhile, Trump's legal team, led by Alina Habba, has decried the judgment as a grave injustice and the culmination of a politically motivated witch hunt, vowing to contest the verdict and its implications for business in New York.
