The Millions Trump’s Businesses Made From His Campaign
Donald Trump ran as a billionaire businessman whose ability to finance his campaign from his own deep pockets would keep him free from the influence of special interests. While he put $66.1 million of his own money into his campaign and received an additional $264 million from small dollar donors, more than $14.6 million worth of campaign funds went back into Trump’s businesses in the form of air travel, event rentals and even $8,040.01 to Trump’s bottled water company, Trump Ice LLC.
The Federal Election Commission requires candidates using personal assets in elections to pay market rates for them. For Trump, whose businesses cater to the wealthy, that meant higher costs for his campaign, which was already struggling to catch up with Hillary Clinton’s money machine. His company assets, though, played a bigger role than simply shuttling him to rallies or providing a venue for a speech. They were ever-present symbols on the campaign trail of the business record he touted as his main credential for seeking the presidency.
Air Travel
Trump’s private aircraft gave him a huge advantage in the primaries, allowing him to jet from one far-flung event to the next while his rivals relied on commercial flights. His customized Boeing 757, emblazoned with his name, and his other aircraft are operated by Trump’s TAG Air.
Rent
The campaign rented much of its office space from Trump’s company including pricy digs in Trump Tower in New York City where he located his headquarters.
Secret Service
Since November 2015, Secret Service agents have been detailed to protect Trump. When agents fly on a presidential candidate’s plane, taxpayers reimburse the campaign for the cost. After July 22, this figure includes some costs reimbursed for agents protecting Vice President-elect Mike Pence, whose plane was rented from a third-party vendor.
Facility Rental/Catering/Events
Trump launched his campaign in the lobby of Trump Tower and continued hosting important events, including victory speeches after primary wins, public endorsements by his former rivals and fundraisers at his properties across the country. Rental and event fees were paid to the Trump Organization. His restaurants and his son Eric’s winery also sometimes provided the refreshments.
Payroll
Trump paid employees of his business empire to spend part of their time working for his political campaign. His security man, his spokeswoman (pictured below) and even his corporate lawyer for a brief time all got part of their salaries from his campaign.
Lodging
When Trump traveled, he often put up his staff in some of his luxury hotels around the country.
Miscellaneous
Trump’s restaurants supplied food and drink for meetings in Trump Tower, stocking the office refrigerators with his Trump Ice bottled water.