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Trump rakes in millions at MAGA-studded Mar-a-Lago fundraiser

The event took place the same week the former president spent time in court.

By SALLY GOLDENBERG and MERIDITH MCGRAW

Hundreds of Donald Trump’s biggest supporters and fans packed into a gilded ballroom at Mar-a-Lago on Thursday to send a message to Republicans: the primary is over.

Top Trump donors mingled around the pool at Mar-a-lago before heading into a fundraiser at Trump’s private club with MAGA stars like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), recently impeached and acquitted Texas attorney general Ken Paxton, and Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) to hear him blast President Joe Biden and promote his 2024 campaign.

Standing at a podium, Trump recognized Greene, Donalds, and Paxton, as well as Roseanne Barr, the outspoken comedian, for her support. He also called Larry Elder, the California talk radio personality on stage. Earlier on Thursday evening, Elder dropped out of the race and endorsed Trump.

“Larry said don’t worry about it, when I drop out, you’re the guy and I love you and I love him,” Trump said. Former NFL stars Mike and Maurkice Pouncey were also seen at the event.

It was estimated that around $6 million was brought in for Trump’s 2024 efforts, according to figures announced at the event, an amount that would make Tuesday night’s fundraiser one of the biggest single night hauls of his 2024 campaign. A spokesperson for Trump’s campaign did not comment.

In a speech that went over an hour and a half, Trump touted his lead in the polls, taunted his opponents including Biden and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and talked about his record in the White House.

“His speech was very forward, very focused on how bad things are and what he would do to fix all of it in short order,” said Bill White, CEO of Constellations Group and former CEO of the Intrepid Museum in New York City, as well as a longtime friend of Trump. White attended with his husband, Bryan Eure, who is senior vice president of Willis Towers Watson.

White said Trump boasted of his foreign policy chops, insisting that as president he would rein in Iran, North Korea, China and Hamas and promising to reduce the price of gasoline.

“While his polls have gone up, he said gloves are off with Biden,” he added, noting Trump insulted Biden’s intelligence by comparing him unfavorably to former President Jimmy Carter.

The fundraiser comes days after three lawyers aligned with his efforts following the 2020 election pleaded guilty in Georgia. Over a dozen other people are charged with aiding the former president in what prosecutors have described as an attempt to overturn the 2020 election. Trump also spent two days in court this week defending his company in a civil fraud trial in New York.

This coming weekend, Trump will be appearing with his 2024 challengers in Las Vegas at the Republican Jewish Coalition’s annual conference.