Trump Supporters Reportedly Asked to Pay $88,600 for a Photograph

Donors can reportedly pay $88,600 for a photograph with President Donald Trump at a Republican National Committee event in Dallas on September 9 and 10, according to an invitation reviewed by The Wall Street Journal.

The two-day convention is scheduled near the anniversary of the September 11 attacks and will bring together senior Republican figures as the party seeks to raise funds ahead of the US midterm elections.

The fundraising drive comes as Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico has raised more money than his Republican opponent, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Organisers expect about 30,000 people to attend the convention, while Republicans seek to protect their narrow majorities in Congress.

Trump Photo Opportunity Comes With $88,600 Price Tag

The Dallas convention will feature Trump and Vice-President JD Vance, with donors able to pay for photographs with both political figures.

A photograph with Trump will cost $88,600, while taking part in a roundtable with him is priced at $250,000, according to The Independent. A photograph with Vance on the second day will cost $35,000.

General tickets and honorary delegate packages are also available. The latter cost up to $20,000, while some top-tier packages are priced at $100,000, according to reports. The arrangements form part of the Republican Party's effort to raise money ahead of the midterm elections.

Trump Says MAGA Inc. Will Spend Up to $500 Million

The convention has already raised $42 million in donations, according to the report.

Trump said MAGA Inc. would spend between $400 million and $500 million to support Republicans in the midterm elections. MAGA Inc. recently spent more than $800,000 on calls and text messages supporting South Carolina Senator Darline Graham in a Republican primary runoff.

Before Trump's announcement, some Republicans had expressed concern that MAGA Inc. had spent relatively little in key midterm races despite its substantial war chest.

'They keep saying they'll spend, but they haven't,' a senior Republican source told CNN.

Talarico Files Campaign Finance Complaint

Talarico has filed a complaint accusing Paxton and his treasurer of violating federal campaign finance rules.

According to the report, the complaint alleged that Paxton, through his agent Mr Plishka, established and controlled Preserve Texas Inc., which it described as a dark-money entity. It further alleged that the organisation had spent substantial sums to influence Paxton's election while shielding its donors from public scrutiny.

Preserve Texas Inc. gave four cheques totalling more than $1 million to Lone Star Liberty, a super PAC supporting Paxton, CBS News reported. The Virginia-based nonprofit organisation has reportedly not filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission disclosing the source of the funds, although it remains disputed whether it was required to do so.

Preserve Texas said it was independent, that Plishka provided only administrative services and that it had complied with applicable law. Lone Star Liberty said it followed all regulations and laws.

The complaint and questions surrounding campaign spending come as Republicans prepare for the September 9 and 10 fundraiser in Dallas. The event is expected to bring together donors and senior party figures as Republicans seek financial support for candidates in key races.

The high-priced photo opportunities with Trump and Vance are among the fundraising options described in the report. The broader effort is aimed at supporting Republican candidates as the party works to protect its narrow majorities in Congress.

Originally published on IBTimes UK