The campaign was set up on the popular crowdfunding website GoFundMe by Meredith O'Rourke, a high-profile political fundraiser from Tallahassee, Florida, currently serving as the national finance director of Trump's presidential campaign. (Related: Scenic NC town wiped out by Hurricane Helene as state's death toll continues to climb.)
With O'Rourke's assistance and Trump's endorsement, a similar campaign she organized this summer was able to raise $6.6 million for the victims of the shooting at Trump's rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung confirmed with media outlets that the GoFundMe page is legitimate and authorized by Trump.
While Trump and his campaign fundraise online, the former president has been busy visiting affected communities.
On Monday, Sept. 30, Trump was in Valdosta, Georgia, during which he addressed the gravity of the disaster and the hardships suffered by the residents. While there, Trump also announced relief efforts and that his team was coordinating the provision of supplies such as food and fuel to communities throughout the southeast hit hardest by the storm.
Trump's rivals in the Democratic Party, meanwhile, took days before they were able to organize visits to affected areas. President Joe Biden didn't visit North Carolina until Wednesday, and Georgia and Florida on Thursday.
Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic Party's nominee, similarly only visited North Carolina and Georgia on Wednesday although her campaign did highlight how she has been receiving briefings at the Federal Emergency Management Agency's headquarters in Washington, D.C., since Monday.
Fundraiser able to receive over 28,000 donations
"President Donald J. Trump has launched this GoFundMe campaign as an official response for MAGA supporters to offer their financial assistance to their fellow Americans impacted by Hurricane Helene," the description of the GoFundMe page reads. "With so many across the Southeastern U.S. facing challenges after the storm, President Trump is on the ground in communities to see the aftermath firsthand. All donations will be directed to help those most affected by Hurricane Helene. Any level of generosity will go a long way for your fellow Americans who are suffering."
As of press time, the crowdfunding campaign has raised over $4.33 million from nearly 29,000 donations.
The campaign has received massive donations from notable figures, including former Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R-GA), who donated $500,000. Real estate tycoon Steve Witkoff also donated $500,000. Hedge fund manager William Ackman, businessman James Bodenstedt, CEO of Ultimate Fighting Championship Dana White, Florida attorney Dan Newlin and sporting goods retail company Bass Pro Shops all donated $100,000 each.
In a statement after the GoFundMe campaign received millions of dollars, O'Rourke noted how the Trump campaign is overwhelmed by the "unprecedented levels of generosity from MAGA supporters."
"In just a matter of days, this account for those across the Southeastern U.S. has raised millions of dollars. Please continue to support your fellow Americans in their recovery efforts," she wrote. "President Trump is grateful for your support of this effort and as funds come in we will disperse to those who have been impacted."
O'Rourke announced that some of the money will be directed toward two charity and aid organizations, Samaritan's Purse and Water Mission. Initial disbursements have already been made and more will be provided as funds come in.
Watch this clip from Newsmax discussing Trump's immediate reaction to Hurricane Helene.
This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.
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Major damage in Florida after catastrophic Hurricane Helene made landfall.
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