Former President Donald Trump celebrated his 77th birthday amidst his federal indictment, as his supporters interrupted his speech at his New Jersey golf club to sing "Happy Birthday" to him.
The impromptu performance marked the second time that day he was serenaded with the song by his loyal followers, with the first occurrence happening at a Cuban restaurant in Miami minutes after his arraignment. Trump briefly stepped away from the podium to acknowledge and adore the crowd's gesture.
Earlier, Trump pleaded not guilty to 37 charges related to his handling of classified national security documents after leaving the White House. Despite expectations of protests outside the Miami courthouse, the anticipated protest largely failed to materialise, except for an anti-Trump protester who jumped in front of the former president's motorcade.
After the arraignment, Trump flew back to his Bedminster golf club in New Jersey, where he delivered a speech claiming political persecution. Critics widely lambasted his address for its falsehoods, while viewing it as a glimpse into his potential defense strategy against the charges.
The event managed to raise $2 million for his 2024 campaign, according to confirmed figures.
Meanwhile, former Vice President Mike Pence, after reviewing the indictment, said that he "cannot defend what is alleged" by prosecutors. This shift in tone reflects a growing trend among Trump allies distancing themselves from the former president.
The Bedminster fundraiser marked the first official campaign event for Trump's 2024 presidential bid. Attendees paid a minimum of $1,000 to be present, and the campaign aimed to secure 300 bundlers by the end of June, as Trump began to engage more actively with major contributors and bundlers. The campaign expects to receive 90% of the funds raised, with the remaining 10% going to Trump's Save America PAC, potentially for noncampaign activities such as legal expenses.
As Trump navigates numerous legal proceedings and contends with over 10 rivals in the 2024 GOP primary, the second-quarter campaign fundraising deadline looms. The event served as an opportunity to gather significant financial support while offering various tiers of benefits to donors, including private dinners and photo opportunities with the former president and elected officials.
Supreme court says derogatory terms used to describe Muslims may be in poor taste but not offensive
State Dept says "current budget climate requires us to make difficult cuts, we cannot continue to publish this data"
Pope marks longest absence from view since starting his papacy started in March 2013
Prime minister thanks British Muslims for their contributions to "every community in Britain"
"We accomplished more in 43 days than most administrations accomplish in four or eight years," says US president
50% people polled say Trump had gone too far with the Musk-led programme to cut govt spending
