Republican candidates wasted no time rushing to former President Donald Trump’s support following the FBI raid on his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, with some calling their supporters to financial arms.
Candidates sent out fundraising texts and emails along with fierce messages of support after the news of Monday’s raid broke as they hoped to capitalize on the rage of Trump’s base. The raid is the most drastic law enforcement operation to ever take place against a former president of the United States.
MIKE PENCE SHARES ‘DEEP CONCERN’ OVER MAR-A-LAGO RAID
Trump’s Save America PAC sent out fundraising pitches Tuesday morning, calling the raid a “witch hunt.” Trump has been teasing a 2024 run since leaving office.
“He restored power to the people and truly delivered for our Country like we have never seen before,” a Save America email read. “It’s time for EVERY PATRIOT to step up and stand against the Left’s reckless WITCH HUNTS and political persecution of President Trump.”
Former President Trump is sending texts fundraising off the FBI raid of his Mar a Lago beach club. pic.twitter.com/dr8432MjwV
— Hunter Walker (@hunterw) August 9, 2022
J.D. Vance, a Republican Senate candidate in Ohio, got in early on the pitch, with his campaign sending out a Trump-themed text on the night of the raid. Trump endorsed Vance during the Ohio GOP primary.
“This is NOT a drill,” the text read. “Joe Biden is ATTACKING President Trump for STANDING UP for US, it’s time to show we have President Trump’s back!” followed by a link to donate.
The Mar-a-Lago raid fundraising appeals begin. This one is from JD Vance: pic.twitter.com/d8ofVzFEsQ
— Andrew Solender (@AndrewSolender) August 9, 2022
“Little to add on the details of the raid on Trump’s home: it is disgraceful and unprecedented,” Vance said. “The question is what comes next. We either have Republic or we don’t. If we do, the people who’ve politicized the FBI in recent years will face investigation and prosecution.”
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) and Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) also reportedly sent out fundraising emails on account of the raid.
Some Republican candidates and officeholders hoping to make it to the next step of their careers with Trump’s help took his side immediately, including Arizona GOP gubernatorial nominee Kari Lake and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem. Lake was endorsed by Trump and called the raid on his property “one of the darkest days in American history.” Noem has been floated as Trump’s 2024 running mate and said the raid was “un-American” in a statement.
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Trump’s Pennsylvania Senate pick, Mehmet Oz, also decried the raid in a statement.
“America is bitterly divided, & what Pres. Biden’s FBI and DOJ did last night will only make things worse,” he said. “Americans have every right to be upset & demand answers on why this raid happened in the most aggressive action taken against a former president ever in our nation’s history.”
Democrats also capitalized on the raid, hoping another hit against Trump would rally their base as well. Former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton trolled Trump by pitching hats and shirts with the phrase “but her emails,” a reference to her alleged use of a private server to send official emails.
Every “But her emails” hat or shirt sold helps @onwardtogether partners defend democracy, build a progressive bench, and fight for our values.
Just saying!https://t.co/4TiUxjmRNY pic.twitter.com/rflM8fTAbw
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) August 9, 2022
“Every ‘But her emails’ hat or shirt sold helps @onwardtogether partners defend democracy, build a progressive bench, and fight for our values. Just saying,” Clinton tweeted.
