Trump to participate in MAGA dinner 7:30pm ET Saturday

Trump to participate in MAGA dinner 7:30pm ET Saturday

Trump to Host High-Price MAGA Fundraiser Amid Ethical Scrutiny

President Donald Trump is set to host a $1 million-per-person candlelight dinner for MAGA Inc., his affiliated super PAC, at Mar-a-Lago on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET. The event, part of ongoing efforts to fund Trump's political initiatives, follows similar high-dollar fundraisers held since his inauguration, including a $1 million-per-seat dinner in January 2025. Attendees must secure invitations through MAGA Inc. staff, including former Trump campaign finance director Meredith O'Rourke.

The fundraiser coincides with heightened public scrutiny over the administration's financial practices. Critics highlight the absence of clear ethical boundaries between Trump's business interests and presidential duties, particularly as funds are reportedly directed toward his post-presidency library. MAGA Inc. has already spent over $450 million to elect Trump in 2024, though the super PAC is not legally permitted to coordinate with the White House.

Business leaders and tech executives, including Elon Musk and major corporate donors, have shown significant financial support for Trump's agenda, with some paying up to $5 million for one-on-one meetings at Mar-a-Lago. Experts caution that such events raise concerns about access and influence, as donors may seek favorable treatment in exchange for contributions. "The lack of ethical guardrails in the current administration is troubling," said Don Moynihan, a public policy professor at the University of Michigan.

Public backlash has also intensified, with protests planned nationwide against what critics describe as authoritarian overreach. Social media reactions to the fundraiser have been mixed, with some users questioning the event's purpose and others dismissing concerns as partisan.

While previous presidents have held fundraisers, the scale, timing, and location of Trump's events remain unprecedented. The White House did not respond to requests for comment on the ethical implications or the allocation of funds.

This event underscores the financial dynamics shaping Trump's second term, as MAGA Inc. continues to play a central role in sustaining his political and post-presidency ambitions.