Trump campaign tells GOP candidates he's taking a cut of their cash if they use his name

The campaign for Donald Trump's 2024 presidential bid has come up with a new way to raise cash — which involves calling on down-ballot candidates who use his name and likeness in fundraising pushes to give him a cut of the money they raise.

“Beginning tomorrow, we ask that all candidates and committees who choose to use President Trump’s name, image, and likeness split a minimum of 5% of all fundraising solicitations to Trump National Committee JFC. This includes, but is not limited to, sending to the house file, prospecting vendors, and advertising,” Trump co-campaign managers Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita wrote in a letter reported on by Politico.

“Any split that is higher than 5% will be seen favorably by the RNC and President Trump’s campaign and is routinely reported to the highest levels of leadership within both organizations," the letter added.

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According to reports, Trump is having trouble closing a fundraising gap with President Joe Biden, whose campaign has raised over $190 million, which is more than double what Trump has raised.

The letter was sent out the same week Trump's New York hush money criminal trial began, a hearing expected to last six to eight weeks which is expected to hamper his presence on the campaign trail since he's required to be in court for each session.

"Down-ballot Republican candidates and committees have long used Trump in fundraising appeals, recognizing that he has support among the party’s small-dollar fundraising base. But in the letter, Wiles and LaCivita reiterated their request that Republicans 'avoid' using certain 'language and tactics' while using Trump’s name, image and likeness," Politico's report stated.

The letter warns that, “Any vendor whose clients ignore the guidelines mentioned above will be held responsible for their clients’ actions,” and that, “Repeated violations will result in the suspension of business relationships between the vendor and Trump National Committee JFC. This includes list rental agreements.”

Read the full report over at Politico.