Tim Scott fundraiser in Hamptons hosted by Frank Dunlevy and Gary Cohn

Republican Senator Tim Scott met with more than 50 donors at the Hamptons residence of Wall Street veteran and former Trump administration official Frank Dunlevy. The fundraising event, held in the backyard of Dunlevy’s East Hampton property, was in support of Scott’s presidential campaign. The event’s location initially faced some dispute from Dunlevy, but later confirmations from guests established its validity. Dunlevy’s backyard was lent to the official hosts of the Scott event.

The property boasts a large swimming pool and a driveway within walking distance of the picturesque East Hampton beaches.

Individual tickets for the event ranged from $1,000 to $5,000, while couples tickets were priced at $10,000.

Notable attendees included Gary Cohn, former director of the National Economic Council during 2017-18, who was listed as a co-host on the invitation.

Cohn and Dunlevy are not the only wealthy Republicans who served in the Trump administration and are now supporting one of Trump’s competitors. A super PAC supporting Florida Governor Ron DeSantis received a $50,000 contribution from the Orlando Magic, a team owned by the billionaire DeVos family. This contribution raised eyebrows due to Betsy DeVos, the family matriarch, serving as Trump’s Secretary of Education. However, the DeVos family spokesperson stated that they have not yet decided whom to back in the 2024 GOP primary.

Dunlevy held two positions during the Trump administration. He was a counselor to the CEO of the International Development Finance Corporation from 2018 onwards, and later joined the State Department as the chief banking officer and senior advisor for Keith Krach, Trump’s under secretary of economic growth, energy, and environment. Trump nominated Dunlevy to the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board near the end of his term, but President Joe Biden subsequently withdrew the nomination.

Dunlevy has previously made donations to the Republican National Committee, former Florida Governor Jeb Bush’s 2016 presidential campaign, and Utah Senator Mitt Romney’s 2012 presidential campaign.

Despite Trump’s popularity in the polls, events like the Scott fundraiser indicate a hesitation among traditional Republican donors to fully support Trump’s bid for the party’s nomination in 2024. Trump currently faces 78 criminal counts across three cases, with a fourth indictment expected soon. To finance his legal expenses, Trump is relying on his political operation, which has already spent over $26 million on legal fees this year alone. In contrast, Scott has been conservative with his campaign spending.

Although he ranks third in the latest New York Times poll, behind the former president and DeSantis, Scott managed to raise $7 million in campaign contributions in the second quarter of this year. As of the end of July, Scott’s political operation reported having over $21 million in cash on hand, only slightly less than Trump’s reported $22.5 million.

Scott’s campaign spokesperson did not respond to inquiries regarding the fundraising event and the amount it raised for his presidential bid.