In the wake of Donald Trump's recent meeting with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, where the two reportedly made peace after trading barbs during the 2024 presidential campaign, sparking speculation that DeSantis could be chosen as Trump's running mate, a new report says that he isn't the only one trekking to Mar-a-Lago to curry favor from the former president.
Details about how Republican money is being spent, revealed by The Independent, shows who's working hard to gain Trump's ear.
"Kari Lake, the presumptive Republican nominee for Arizona’s open U.S. Senate seat, has spent an eye-opening $21,638.08 since the beginning of the 2024 cycle on catering services and facility rental services at Mar-a-Lago," The Independent's report stated.
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"That’s a lot of dinners and hotel rooms. A former news anchor, Lake has consistently repeated Trump’s claims that the 2020 election was stolen. In 2022, she attempted to run for governor and lost to Democrat Katie Hobbs — but has refused to concede and instead filed legal challenges that have been rebuffed."
Also reaching out to Trump is Florida GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz, who spent $302.81 on a single meal at Mar-a-Lago this year. The campaign for Representative Greg Steube spent almost $1,200 at the Palm Beach resort. Florida GOP Rep. Brian Mast was a comparatively high spender, with his campaign shelling out $13,805.45 at Mar-a-Lago — but that was nothing compared to Ohio GOP Rep. Max Miller, whose campaign spent over $36,800 at the resort.
Other GOP lawmakers and failed candidates spent thousands at Mar-a-Lago as well.
Trump’s own presidential campaign spent a huge sum at Mar-a-Lago — a total of $193,349.69, while the Trump Save America Joint Fundraising Committee spent $412,412.61 at the resort, according to The Independent.