OFF COURSE: Miami Grand Prix BOOTS Trump fundraiser
Donald Trump’s fundraising situation is more than a little iffy these days. He’s fallen behind President Joe Biden’s campaign in bringing in donor money, and his legal costs are eating up much of what Trump does take in.
Earlier this month, Trump put a lot of time and effort into convincing the public that one of his fundraisers had produced a record-breaking $50 million in a single night, earning heavy scrutiny that failed to produce any evidence the Republican candidate had actually done what he claimed.
Now, his next big event has been shut down. Anyone looking forward to giving Trump a quarter million dollars for the privilege of joining him at the Miami Grand Prix next month is in for disappointment.
Fox Sports host Andy Slater obtained a copy of the letter that was sent to Trump ally Steve Witkoff, warning against the event. The letter reads, in part:
“It has come to our attention that you may be using your Paddock Club Rooftop Suite for a political purpose, namely raising money for a federal election at $250,000 per ticket, which clearly violates the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix suite license agreement. If this is true, we regret to inform you that your suite license will be revoked, you will not be allowed to attend the race at any time, and we will refund you in full.”
SLATER SCOOP: Donald Trump fundraiser was being planned at next week’s F1 race in Miami, I’ve learned.
The Shell Bay Club asked members for $250,000 to be in their suite hosted by Trump supporter Steve Witkoff.
Miami Grand Prix sent a cease and desist letter after finding out. pic.twitter.com/7Z6bO4fvoF
— Andy Slater (@AndySlater) April 26, 2024
Witkoff has said, in response to the controversy, that it is “fake.” However, the rules being cited are not. The Washington Post reported:
“The terms of the suite state it cannot be used for ‘advertising, promotional or commercial purposes (including without limitation, prizes, competitions, contests, or sweepstakes) without the prior written consent of Promoter and the F1 entities.’”
There’s no word on whether Trump will still attend the race if he can’t make money off the event, but the Secret Service has reportedly reached out to coordinate with Grand Prix officials to manage security.
The snub from Formula 1 racing is not even Trump’s first sting from the auto racing world this week. He was also given the boot from the organizers of the IndyCar racing series. RACER reports:
“RACER has learned one entry was filed for the May 26 race with the intent of promoting both Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and former president Donald Trump on the car’s bodywork. According to the series, the request was denied.”
A spokesperson explained that IndyCar does not allow political sponsorships.
While Trump ultimately may not care much about auto racing, with his fundraising a shambles due to his multiple indictments and his forced attendance at his criminal trials, he cares deeply about losing an opportunity to shake down a few more oligarchs for crucial cash.
Perhaps he can auction off a seat at his lawyers’ table at his trial so his donors can watch him nap and smell his odiferous emissions.
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