In a curious twist of political fundraising, former President Donald Trump’s political action committee has sent out Valentine’s Day-themed emails that have raised eyebrows, particularly among those familiar with his contentious legal battles. Among the recipients of these peculiar solicitations is E. Jean Carroll, the writer who won a staggering $83.3 million in a defamation case against him, following his denials of her sexual assault allegations from the 1990s.
A Love Letter with Strings Attached
The email, purportedly from “secret admirer Donald J. Trump,” posed the question, “Do you still love me?” in a playful yet provocative manner, inviting recipients to affirm their support through monetary contributions. The message, sent by the PAC Never Surrender Inc., states, “Roses are red, violets are blue. Do you still love Trump, as I love you?” and features an image of Trump placing a Valentine’s card into a mailbox.
Carroll, who found herself on the receiving end of this unusual outreach, took to social media platform X to express her bewilderment. “Yes. This is a real email. No. I did not sign up on this mailing list. Yes. We are living in a crazy world,” she wrote, highlighting the absurdity of her inclusion on the mailing list given her history with Trump.
Uninvited and Intrigued
The circumstances surrounding Carroll’s receipt of the email are murky, particularly since she has not subscribed to the Never Surrender Inc. PAC’s fundraising communications. This committee, which has its roots in Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, has been known to deploy a barrage of emails seeking donations under various themes, often framed as personal messages from the former president himself.
Carroll’s legal battles with Trump began in 2019 when she accused him of defamation after he categorically denied her claims of sexual assault. A jury later found Trump liable for sexual abuse, culminating in her substantial financial victory. The irony of receiving a Valentine’s Day email from the very person she has spent years confronting in court has not been lost on her or the public.
Fundraising with a Twist
The Never Surrender Inc. PAC has been actively sending out multiple fundraising emails, each crafted to evoke a sense of personal connection while simultaneously urging recipients to donate. These missives often include phrases designed to elicit emotional responses, such as, “I placed a special LOVE LETTER in the mailbox,” and invitations to leave personal notes that come with a monetary request.
In a political landscape where fundraising drives are paramount, Trump has historically relied on small donations to cover his legal fees. Records indicate that his affiliated PACs have disbursed millions to attorneys, including Alina Habba, who represented him in the civil case involving Carroll.
The emails have taken on a life of their own, with some recipients finding them amusing while others view them as manipulative tactics. The PAC’s strategy appears to blend personal outreach with fundraising, creating a unique and controversial method of engagement.
The Broader Implications
The Valentine’s Day emails sent by Trump’s political action committee serve not only as a fundraising mechanism but also as a reflection of the complicated relationship between the former president and his supporters. The intertwining of personal sentiment with financial appeals illustrates a broader trend in political fundraising that often prioritises emotional engagement over substantive policy discussion.
As Trump gears up for the next electoral cycle, this approach may resonate with his base, but it also invites scrutiny from those who question the ethics of leveraging personal narratives for financial gain. The stark contrast between a love letter and a plea for funds encapsulates the often surreal nature of contemporary political discourse.
Why it Matters
The incident highlights the blurred lines between personal and political in Trump’s fundraising efforts, revealing how deeply entrenched emotions can be exploited in the political arena. For E. Jean Carroll, the email is not just a bizarre reminder of her past with Trump; it underscores the ongoing fight against a figure whose influence continues to loom large over American politics. As the 2024 election approaches, such tactics may become increasingly common, prompting critical discussions about the intersection of fundraising, personal narratives, and the ethics of political engagement.
