Former President Trump will be hosting a closed-door fundraiser in Florida during next week’s Republican presidential debate, as reported by two sources familiar with the matter. This marks the first time he will not hold a public counterprogramming event.
The exclusive fundraiser will take place in Hallandale Beach for Trump’s joint fundraising committee, encompassing both his campaign and his leadership PAC, according to one of the sources involved in the planning. Real estate developers Steve Witkoff, Howard Lorber, and Kristin Bell will serve as hosts for the event.
In an email to his supporters, Trump extended an invitation for contributions to his joint fundraising committee, offering participants a chance to win a VIP guest spot at the Hallandale Beach event. The email referred to the occasion as an “end-of-year” reception.
Trump has chosen to skip the first three Republican debates and plans to do so again next Wednesday, while some of his rivals take the stage in Alabama. The debate will be hosted by NewsNation.
During the first GOP debate, a recorded interview between Trump and conservative pundit Tucker Carlson was aired on the social media platform X. Trump staged a campaign event at an auto parts company in Michigan during the second debate and held a campaign rally near the venue for the third debate in Miami.
The campaign declined to comment on why Trump opted not to hold a public-facing event this time.
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com.
