International: Record fundraising boosts Donald Trump’s campaign against Kamala Harris

The U.S. presidential race is intensifying as Donald Trump’s campaign announced an unprecedented fundraising haul of $130 million for August, setting a record for this stage of the election. With just two months remaining before the November 5 election, the funds place the former president’s campaign on solid financial ground, boasting $295 million in cash reserves.

These contributions, predominantly from small donors giving less than $200, could provide Trump with a critical boost as he faces off against Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, who recently stepped in to replace President Joe Biden on the ticket.

Brian Hughes, senior adviser to the Trump campaign, highlighted the significance of the financial surge, attributing it to unity within the Republican Party and growing support from independents and disillusioned Democrats.

“Republicans are rallying behind Trump and his running mate J.D. Vance, while we’re also seeing a shift from voters outside the party,” Hughes said in a statement.

The adviser also pointed to the campaign’s intent to strengthen Trump’s “America First” agenda, targeting what he called the “failures” of the Biden-Harris administration. The unexpected withdrawal of Biden from the race, allowing Harris to lead the Democratic campaign, has only fueled Trump’s fundraising efforts.

On the Democratic side, Kamala Harris’ campaign has also seen a significant influx of funds since her nomination on July 21.

According to campaign director Jen O’Malley Dillon, Harris has raised over $540 million, a figure that has energized the Democratic base.

With both candidates amassing vast war chests and determined to secure undecided voters, the final stretch of the presidential race promises to be highly competitive and unpredictable.