Donald Trump has run a relatively lean campaign operation since he announced his bid for the White House in mid-June. But all that is about to change, the Republican front-runner said Tuesday.
The mostly self-funded billionaire, whose campaign has raised nearly $2 million this election cycle through small-dollar donations, plans to tap into his personal fortune to ensure voters turn out to support him come Feb. 1, when the Iowa caucuses kick off the 2016 nomination season.
My campaign for president is $35,000,000 under budget, I have spent very little (and am in 1st place).Now I will spend big in Iowa/N.H./S.C.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 29, 2015
As previously reported, the Trump campaign is expected to flood the television airwaves in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina – the three earliest voting states – with ads promoting his message and his positions on several issues central to the 2016 cycle. Those familiar with the forthcoming ad blitz told Fox News Monday that Trump is prepared to spend at least $2 million a week on the effort.
Trump is currently in first place in state-level polls in New Hampshire and South Carolina. In Iowa, the outspoken businessman was recently dethroned by Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, a conservative firebrand and Trump’s friendliest rival in the GOP field.
Other candidates, whose campaigns and super PACs have budgeted millions towards paid advertisements, have little to show for in the polls – something Trump frequently points out in his stump speeches and media appearances.
So, I have spent almost nothing on my run for president and am in 1st place. Jeb Bush has spent $59 million & done. Run country my way!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 29, 2015
Trump is slated to arrive in Iowa, where he soon plans to air television ads, Tuesday evening for a campaign rally at 7:30 p.m. ET.
