PALM BEACH, Fla. (NewsNation) — With dueling events this weekend, some of the nation’s biggest GOP donors will have to choose between former President Donald Trump or former presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Trump is expected to attend a major joint fundraiser between his campaign and the RNC on Saturday. A campaign source confirmed to NewsNation that it will be hosted at a private residence in Palm Beach.
Expectations are high for Trump to offset President Joe Biden’s recent $25 million fundraiser, with the Trump campaign anticipating an estimated $43 million fundraising haul Saturday. That’s an effort that could be hindered by another just about an hour north.
At the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, DeSantis is set to speak at a Fight Right PAC investor retreat Friday and Saturday, according to a schedule obtained by NewsNation.
Fight Right was one of two PACs DeSantis had backing him during his failed 2024 presidential bid. Fight Right officials tell NewsNation the investor retreat has been scheduled for more than two months and had nothing to do with Trump’s fundraiser.
The PAC is hosting the weekend event to thank donors who contributed to DeSantis’ 2024 presidential campaign.
An itinerary shows DeSantis will speak at The Future of Florida panel on Friday. On Saturday morning, investors are expected to provide feedback on what went wrong with DeSantis’ presidential campaign. Florida first lady Casey DeSantis will host a lunch that afternoon, followed by a “Fireside Chat” with DeSantis on Saturday night.
Sources close to the Trump campaign tell NewsNation they anticipate donors will skip out on the governor’s Saturday remarks at the investor retreat to attend Trump’s fundraiser in Palm Beach.
Additionally, a Trump campaign official said the DeSantis-aligned event is “competing with the entire Republican cause” as GOP leaders push to unify donors behind their presumptive presidential nominee.
