Following Judge Arthur Engoron’s ruling holding former President Donald Trump accountable for over $350 million in civil fraud fines in New York, a GoFundMe campaign swiftly emerged, aiming to crowdfund the entire sum for the ex-president.
Dubbed “Stand with Trump; fund the $355M Unjust Judgment,” the campaign sought to cover the entirety of Trump’s financial obligation resulting from his and his two adult sons’ deceptive practices surrounding property valuations.
Initiated by Elena Cardone, spouse of Miami-based private equity manager Grant Cardone, the campaign rallied supporters, emphasizing solidarity against perceived biased judgments and a “corrupt legal system.”
However, cautionary words arose from far-right activist Laura Loomer, a vocal Trump ally, who warned against contributing to the GoFundMe initiative. Loomer, known for her extremist views, criticized GoFundMe as “anti-Trump and liberal,” advocating for alternative platforms like GiveSendGo, which she claims align better with conservative values.
Expressing distrust in GoFundMe’s track record, Loomer highlighted her ban from the platform since 2018 and recommended GiveSendGo, a Christian crowdfunding site known for its leniency toward controversial campaigns, including those with ties to neo-Nazism.
Loomer’s intervention underscores growing tension within right-wing circles over concerns about the authenticity and legitimacy of fundraising efforts. Such internal strife was evident earlier this year during the organization of the “God’s Army” trucker convoy to the border, where suspicions of FBI entrapment deterred some activists from participating fully.
Despite the ideological alignment with Trump’s cause, skeptics within the MAGA movement are increasingly scrutinizing fundraising avenues, wary of potential biases and ulterior motives. This episode reflects broader apprehensions among conservative circles, highlighting the complexities of navigating digital platforms for political activism and fundraising endeavors.