Originally published August 30, 2023 8:00 pm PDT
Former President Donald Trump’s recent booking in Fulton County, Georgia has catalyzed a notable surge in fundraising for his campaign.
Sources report that in the wake of his mugshot, taken last week in Atlanta, Trump’s campaign has raked in a whopping $20 million in August alone, according to Fox News.
Trump, who is currently leading the 2024 Republican race, turned himself in at Fulton County Jail following charges stemming from District Attorney Fani Willis’ inquiry into alleged attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential elections in Georgia.
Speaking about the experience, Trump told Fox News Digital that Georgia officials “insisted” he have a mugshot taken, and remarked that the process was “not a comfortable feeling—especially when you’ve done nothing wrong.”
In an innovative fundraising strategy, the Trump campaign immediately capitalized on the event by releasing merchandise featuring the former president’s mugshot.
This initiative contributed significantly to the fundraising spike.
Figures indicate that the campaign has sold a staggering 36,000 t-shirts adorned with the mugshot, earning more than $1.7 million.
Additionally, 24,000 coffee mugs emblazoned with the same image fetched $864,000, and 8,600 posters netted $352,000.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, the Trump campaign confirmed that the proceeds from these sales are strictly designated for campaign and political activities.
They made it clear that all of the funds are “earmarked” for political and campaign activities, and emphasized that none of the earnings would be allocated to cover legal expenses.
The fundraising boom this month follows Trump’s indictment by Special Counsel Jack Smith concerning alleged meddling in the 2020 elections.
The charges laid against him encompass conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding, and conspiracy against rights.
Trump has already pleaded not guilty to these charges, and his arraignment in Georgia is slated for September, where he is anticipated to maintain his not-guilty plea.
