Trump campaign announces record $50.5 million haul at Florida fundraiser

CNN —

Donald Trump’s campaign said it raised $50.5 million at a Saturday fundraiser in Florida, a staggering sum as the former president’s political operation scrambles to close its big financial gap with President Joe Biden and the Democratic Party.

The haul announced by the campaign and top officials with the Republican National Committee far eclipses the $26 million that Biden reported collecting recently at a star-studded gathering in New York City that featured former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. The Trump total from the “Inaugural Leadership Dinner” at the Palm Beach, Florida, home of billionaire investor John Paulson sets a record for a single fundraising event.

“It’s clearer than ever that we have the message, the operation, and the money to propel President Trump to victory on November 5,” Trump campaign senior advisers Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles said in a statement.

Trump delivered a traditional campaign speech to wealthy donors at the fundraiser, highlighting core issues he wants to focus on in a second term: extending his 2017 tax cuts, securing the southern border, and ending Biden’s electric vehicle mandates, according to a Trump campaign official and a guest of the event.

The closed-door dinner, hosted at the home of billionaire investor John Paulson, signaled that some of the GOP’s biggest donors are rallying behind Trump as the general election showdown with Biden swings into gear.

Trump, who sat between Paulson and former first lady Melania Trump, spoke from the head table for roughly 45 minutes, according to the campaign official.

“President Trump spoke on the need to win back the White House so we can turn our country around, focusing on key issues including unleashing