Donald Trump took a swipe at the Democratic Party on his social media platform, TRUTH Social, over their eye-watering campaign spending. Trump mocked the Democrats for burning through $1 billion in the recent election, highlighting what he called their “financial flop.” Despite their colossal spending on star-studded events, media appearances, and a lavish campaign, Trump’s campaign managed to outshine them with a significantly smaller budget.
The $1 Billion Blowout
Kamala Harris’s campaign reportedly set records in fundraising, amassing an astounding $1 billion during a single quarter. Yet the end result left the Democratic campaign in the red, carrying at least $20 million in debt. Trump took note, writing, “I am very surprised that the Democrats, who fought a hard and valiant fight, didn’t have lots of $’s left over.” His comments alluded to the financial challenges now facing the Democrats as they grapple with unpaid vendors and mounting campaign debts.
A Tale of Two Campaign Strategies
Trump credited his campaign’s success to “earned media” and attention-grabbing stunts, ranging from guest appearances on popular podcasts to quirky moments like cruising into a rally on a garbage truck and working briefly at a McDonald’s. His campaign also featured major media appearances on shows like Joe Rogan’s and Theo Von’s podcasts, which helped him reach millions at minimal cost. Trump touted these efforts as a strategic contrast to the Democrats’ high-budget media blitz.
Meanwhile, the Harris campaign took a different approach, investing in six-figure media productions, like a custom-built podcast set for her appearance on “Call Her Daddy.” Additionally, Harris’s campaign invested in celebrity-laden concerts with big names like Bon Jovi, Katy Perry, and Lady Gaga, which helped amplify her reach but ultimately didn’t bring home the votes needed.
Trump’s Surprising Call for Unity
In a twist, Trump ended his message with a call for party unity, saying, “Whatever we can do to help them during this difficult period, I would strongly recommend we, as a Party and for the sake of desperately needed UNITY, do.” While it’s unclear if his words were genuine or another playful jab, they mark a rare appeal for bipartisan support from the president-elect.
The Most Expensive Election in History
According to estimates, both campaigns together raised nearly $4.2 billion, with the Democrats spending $2.3 billion and the Republicans $1.8 billion, making this the costliest presidential race ever. Despite the Democrats’ larger war chest, Trump ultimately dominated both the electoral and popular votes, an outcome not seen for Republicans in decades.
With inauguration day approaching, Trump’s victory brings a shift in strategy and spending philosophy to the White House, as he prepares to take office on January 20. Concluding his post, Trump rallied his supporters with a final “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
