Since President Trump returned to office, he and his allies have raised nearly $2 billion for a network of political causes and projects, creating an unprecedented fund-raising apparatus. An investigation by The New York Times traced over half a billion dollars in donations from 346 major donors, many of whom have received pardons, government jobs, or other benefits, or are in industries that have profited from administration actions. While there is no direct proof that donations led to favorable treatment, the scale and structure of the fund-raising effort raise significant concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the influence of money in politics.

The fund-raising strategy includes a variety of groups and projects, some of which do not disclose their donors, offering contributors both access to the president and the chance to support his favored initiatives. Major corporations and wealthy individuals have attended exclusive events, received public praise, and, in some cases, seen regulatory or legal actions resolved in their favor. The administration has also enacted broad policies benefiting industries that have donated heavily, including defense, technology, and cryptocurrency firms.

Despite denials from White House officials that donors receive special treatment, the investigation found numerous examples where large contributions coincided with favorable outcomes. The fund-raising push shows no signs of slowing, with new initiatives and donor events planned, further expanding the options for those seeking to support the president's agenda.