Former President Donald Trump is organizing an exclusive fundraising event in New York City, inviting his MAGA supporters to join him for a “Special Evening” priced at up to $924,600 per person.
Set for October 27 at Madison Square Garden, this gathering comes as Trump faces significant polling challenges against Vice President Kamala Harris in New York.
According to Teddy Schleifer from The New York Times, Trump’s focus in the campaign’s final stretch appears to center on fundraising efforts. “This reflects Trump’s financial hurdles,” he noted.
The invitation outlines different tiers of “experiences,” with the premium “Ultra MAGA Experience” costing $924,600. Here’s a breakdown of the options:
- – **”Team Trump 2024 Experience”**: $250,000 to give or $500,000 to raise
- – **”Team America First Experience”**: $100,000 to give or $200,000 to raise
- – **”Club 47 Experience”**: $50,000 to give or $70,000 to raise
- – **”MAGA 24 Experience”**: $35,000 to give
- – **”President’s Club Experience”**: $5,000 to give
Moving ahead with the rally in a state where he has struggled in recent polls raises questions. As of October 14, FiveThirtyEight indicates that Harris leads Trump with 53.8% to 39.9%, a significant 14-point margin, which could complicate his efforts.
Recent data consistently shows Harris ahead, including an ActiVote poll (61% Harris, 39% Trump) and a Siena College poll that indicates a 55% to 42% lead for Harris.
Madison Square Garden, known for hosting major sports and entertainment events, has also played a role in political history, accommodating a variety of gatherings, including both national conventions and protests over the years.
Trump’s connection with New York has been rocky lately, facing protests from residents critical of him, including chants of “New York hates you” during his public appearances.
Not only does he grapple with public sentiment, but earlier this year, he was convicted on 34 counts of falsifying business records, a situation he describes as “lawfare.”
Despite facing adversity in the polls, during a recent Scranton rally, Trump suggested optimism about the upcoming event, stating, “We just rented Madison Square Garden… how can New York be run worse than it is right now?”