'Trump fatigue': GOP strategist weighs in on former president's fundraising efforts falling below DeSantis'

New reports suggest former President Donald Trump's fundraising efforts have waned in comparison to donations being received by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R).
According to Newsweek, the most recent filings indicate that the former president raked in "at least $36 million in the first half of this year" from online donations. The amount is approximately $20 million less than Trump raised during the same quarter in 2021. The news outlet also noted that Trump's fundraising haul is "notably less than DeSantis."
Trump's fundraising committees collectively garnered approximately $17 million since the top of the year while DeSantis nearly tripled that amount with $45 million during the first half of this year. Despite the distinct difference in fundraising efforts, the news outlet also highlighted the limitations of the report.
"The comparison has limitations," Newsweek reported. "DeSantis' PAC is able to bring in unlimited funds and he is running for re-election as governor this year, for which he is raising contributions. Donors are only permitted to give $10,000 a year to Trump's joint fundraising vehicle and he is not currently seeking office."
Speaking to Reuters, Republican strategist Mike DuHaime also explained why he believes Trump's fundraising haul has faltered. According to DuHaime, "Trump fatigue" is a real thing. He also attributed the decrease to Trump supporters not knowing if the former president will actually run again in 2024.
"There is definitely Trump fatigue," DuHaime said, later adding, "Donors care about future elections, not past elections."
The latest reports follow reporting from the platform WinRed which is used to process Republican donations. According to the platform, Trump's fundraising has decreased "seven of the last nine months."
ElAmerican editor Ben Kew also shared an opinion similar to DuHaime. "The energy in the GOP is moving away from Trump and towards DeSantis. Everyone knows it," tweeted Kew.
Although the former president's fundraising haul appears to have waned, Trump's spokesman Taylor Budowich insists Trump has been "raising money at an unparalleled pace" and that "any suggestion otherwise is just a tired case of bias narrative peddling by the Fake News."
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