Trump Raises More Funds Than Biden for the First Time

Former President Donald J. Trump and the Republican Party have out-raised President Biden and the Democrats for the first time in this election cycle, marking a significant shift in fundraising momentum. According to campaign officials, Mr. Trump’s campaign, along with the Republican Party and affiliated committees, raised $76.2 million in April, surpassing the $51 million raised by the Biden campaign and the Democratic National Committee.

Despite this fundraising victory, Mr. Trump still lags behind in total cash on hand, with the Biden campaign ending April with $84.5 million compared to Trump’s $48 million. However, the gap is expected to narrow as Mr. Trump can now raise money in tandem with the Republican National Committee, allowing for larger donations from individual donors.

The Biden campaign’s slower fundraising pace in April can be attributed to investments in campaign infrastructure, including offices in battleground states and an early advertising blitz. In contrast, Mr. Trump’s campaign has continued to spend millions on legal bills, with Save America, a committee used to pay his legal fees, shelling out $3.3 million in April.

Despite trailing in fundraising, Mr. Trump remains ahead of Mr. Biden in many polls, including key battleground states. However, Democrats maintain a significant cash advantage, with a joint fundraising agreement in place months before Mr. Trump secured the Republican nomination.

Overall, the fundraising landscape is shifting as the 2024 election cycle heats up, with both campaigns ramping up their efforts to secure the necessary resources for a competitive race.