It’s time.
As the Trump-Pence reelection campaign steps up its fundraising with hopes of reaching a record $2 billion or more, the administration’s top ambassadors are taking a lead with donations of their own, according to the Federal Election Commission reports to be made public next week.
The U.S. ambassadors to the United Kingdom and Spain both “maxed out” to the joint fundraising “Victory Campaign” during the second quarter, which just ended, according to a Republican National Committee insider.
Duke Buchan, U.S. ambassador to Spain, and Woody Johnson, U.S. ambassador to the U.K., both donated $360,000, said the source.
My message speaking to Welsh business leaders today: President @realDonaldTrump is committed to increasing trade between the U.S. & Wales. We’ve already got a great trading relationship – let’s work together to boost our prosperity even more. pic.twitter.com/n3TuiQMLE6
— Ambassador Johnson (@USAmbUK) July 2, 2019
Their contributions signaled that the president’s political ambassadors are beginning to step to the reelection plate, a common practice among past political ambassadors.
“They’re donating to President Trump because now it’s closer to 2020 and the re-election efforts are in full swing,” said the RNC source.
The contributions are the legal maximum to the victory campaign. The two also gave the maximum to the president’s 2016 campaign.
So pleased to join ?? Ambassador to Spain Duke Buchan III and ?? Ambassador to Portugal George Glass. ?? & ?? are key Allies who strengthen @NATO through their contributions, particularly in the Mediterranean region. pic.twitter.com/bjoFN0wAFW
— Ambassador Hutchison (@USAmbNATO) May 22, 2019
During former President Barack Obama’s reelection, ambassadors lined up to donate, and many became “bundlers” winning contributions of $500,000.
And after his reelection, according to reports, Obama rewarded many of his top donors with plum foreign posts. One, Matthew Barzun, was given two posts, including in the U.K., for steering $2.3 million to the former president’s campaigns.
The joint Trump-RNC fundraising groups raised $105 million in the second quarter — the second straight month to top $100 million — and they have $100 million on hand.
Johnson is a long-time GOP fundraiser and co-owner of the New York Jets football team.
Spanish-speaking Buchan is a philanthropist, heirloom tomato farmer, and GOP donor who was one of the first to back Trump in 2016.
