Following the indictment of former President Donald Trump, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg saw a significant influx of campaign donations.
The New York Post reported that Bragg collected $850,000 in campaign contributions after charging Trump, drawing national and local support. This serves as further evidence that Bragg's indictment was a political hit job designed to bring him national fame and wealth.
In March 2023, Alvin Bragg, the Manhattan District Attorney, made headlines by indicting Donald Trump on charges related to falsifying business records concerning a payment to Stormy Daniels. This move positioned Bragg at the center of a politically charged case that resonated nationwide.
The public response was swift, with Bragg's campaign funds swelling as new donations poured in. Between July 2023 and January 2024, his campaign received a total of $481,203, surpassing the previous six months’ donations of $374,785.
Contributions did not only increase in number but also varied in source. High-profile donations were noted from several key players within the Democratic Party and labor unions, reflecting a broad spectrum of support. Among the donors were state Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie’s PAC, contributing $1,000, and the New York Hotel Trades Council, which donated $15,000.
Additional significant donations included $5,000 each from the United Federation of Teachers and Local 32BJ, $2,500 from the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, and $1,500 from the NYS Nurses Association. The support from these groups underscores Bragg’s alignment with labor and educational advocates.
The surge in donations also featured substantial contributions from wealthy individuals, highlighting the campaign's reach among affluent supporters. Notable among them were Lisa Minsky-Primus and Richard Cashin, each donating $25,000, and Ronald Blaylock, who contributed $10,000.
Most of Bragg’s financial support came from New Yorkers, with 70% of donations originating from residents of Manhattan and Brooklyn. This local backing indicates strong community support for Bragg's initiatives and handling of high-profile cases.
Despite the timing, Bragg's campaign stated that they had not used the Trump indictment as a means to rally financial support. "There are others who have used the Trump indictments to raise money. Bragg has not done that," stated Chris Coffey, a Democratic campaign consultant. However, he acknowledged that the trial "has Bragg raised his profile," which likely helped increase donations.
Bragg's office has also launched several new programs focused on crime prevention and community safety. These include initiatives for mental health, support for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, and youth employment opportunities, which have collectively contributed to a 15% reduction in killings in New York City in the first three months of 2024 compared to the previous year.
Critics such as former Republican Senator Al D’Amato have voiced concerns, labeling Bragg’s actions as politically motivated. "He’s solidifying his political base in New York by going after Trump. The whole thing is political. It’s absolutely ridiculous,” D'Amato commented.
On the other hand, Richard Fife, Bragg’s campaign spokesman, emphasized the DA's commitment to public safety. "New Yorkers are embracing Alvin Bragg’s comprehensive agenda to keep Manhattan safe that includes working with law enforcement to target those driving violent crime and increasing gun prosecutions by more than 20%," Fife said.
In summary, Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg's indictment of former President Donald Trump has coincided with a substantial increase in campaign donations, with a total of $850,000 collected post-indictment. Contributions came from a mix of prominent Democrats, labor unions, and affluent New Yorkers. Despite criticisms of political motivations, Bragg's campaign has emphasized its focus on various safety and crime prevention initiatives. Bragg, who is up for re-election next year, has a current campaign balance of $833,819 as of the latest filing, positioning him strongly for the upcoming election cycle.
