$10 Million Jet Sale Highlights How Trump Relies on GOP Donors to Cover Soaring Legal Costs as Personal Wealth Is Questioned
Donald Trump’s significant legal expenses, which have reportedly reached over $90,000 a day for more than three years, are not being paid out of his own pocket, despite his claims of substantial wealth. Instead, the former president has been heavily reliant on donations from Republican National Committee (RNC) supporters who initially contributed to contest the 2020 election results.
As these funds dwindle, Trump is confronted with the pressing decision to either start paying his legal fees himself or seek alternative funding methods. A report from the New York Times in March highlighted that Trump has not used any of his personal funds to cover these legal costs. This revelation comes as Trump faces a myriad of legal challenges that continue to drain his campaign coffers. With the depletion of these accounts, the financial burden of ongoing legal battles is becoming increasingly unsustainable.
In a related development, The Daily Beast reported that Mehrdad Moayedi, a MAGA megadonor and an Iranian-American construction and development tycoon, has purchased Trump’s $10 million jet. Moayedi, who heads Centurion American Custom Homes, has been a significant donor to the Republican cause. In 2019 and 2020 alone, he contributed $245,000 to Trump Victory, a joint fundraising committee that supported Trump’s campaign, the RNC, and various state GOP parties.
Federal Aviation Administration records recently revealed a change in the ownership of the aircraft, from Trump Organization’s DT Air Corp to MM Fleet Holdings LLC, a Texas entity connected to Moayedi. This sale marks a notable shift in assets that traditionally signified Trump’s opulent lifestyle and high-flying image.
Moreover, Moayedi’s contributions extend beyond Trump, supporting other key Republican figures such as former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX). His financial involvement underscores the broad network of GOP donors who frequently contribute large sums to support party candidates and causes.
As Trump navigates through these legal and financial challenges, the role of GOP donors and their willingness to support his mounting expenses remains critical. The situation raises questions about the sustainability of relying on political donations to manage personal legal battles, and whether Trump will adjust his strategy as potential new legal realities set in. The case also illustrates the complex interplay between personal assets and political contributions in managing the legal troubles of prominent public figures.