US election: Donald Trump sets up fund to keep grip on Republicans

Donald Trump is planning to set up a fundraising organisation as part of a strategy to retain his influence over the GOP.

Trump supporters take a knee in Towanda, Pennsylvania. Picture: AFP

Donald Trump is planning to set up a fundraising organisation that can dole out cash to Republican candidates, pollsters and consultants as part of a strategy to retain his influence over the party.

He is set to launch a leadership political action committee, a fund that can accept up to $US5000 a year from individuals, as well as money from other committees.

This type of fund can make an unlimited amount of “independent expenditures” for the benefit of candidates backed by Mr Trump, who has always placed great store on absolute loyalty and rewarded this with presidential endorsements, usually delivered via tweets. These have proved especially valuable in primary contests between Republicans vying to become the party’s nominee in their district or state. The PAC would help him to keep the party moulded in his image in the 2022 mid-term elections, when the Republicans hope to win back the House of Representatives.

“The President always planned to do this, win or lose, so he can support candidates and issues he cares about, such as combating voter fraud,” Tim Murtaugh, a spokesman for the Trump campaign, said.

The PAC would enable Mr Trump to remain the most relevant Republican leader during a Biden presidency, using his patronage to retain support throughout the party for another tilt at the presidency in 2024. The PAC would also be able to fund his travel expenses, as he is expected to keep up a schedule of rallies to speak to his grassroots support base.

Matt Gorman, a Republican strategist, told The New York Times: “President Trump is not going anywhere any time soon. He’s going to insert himself in the national debate in a way that’s unlike any of his predecessors.”

The Times