The Chair of the Republican National Committee, Ronna McDaniel said President Donald Trump raised $12 million in twin Hamptons fundraisers and that support for the President is growing.
“The support for our President is unprecedented and growing!” she wrote in the same message.
The first fundraiser was at the $40 million Hamptons mansion owned by Joe Farrell, and the second was at the Southampton home of billionaire Stephen Ross.
Ross is the chairman of The Related Companies, which owns a majority stake in SoulCycle and Equinox.
Before leaving for the fundraiser, Trump talked about Ross with reporters at the White House. “Stephen Ross is a great friend of mine; he’s a very successful guy,” the President said.
Inside the fundraisers, Trump shook supporters’ hands and entertained them with jokes and political jibes. The invite required the guest to be at the venue by 12:30 p.m. and deposit all phone and electronic devices.
The President addressed the gathering at 3:30 p.m. and spoke for about 30 minutes. The lunch buffet included sirloin steak, shrimp with lemon chili, and charred broccoli.
The Hollywood Reporter said that Trump talked about his achievements. He said countries like China and Iran don’t like him and North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un is his friend.
Outside the venue, Trump had both supporters as well as protestors. As news of the fundraisers became public, critics called for a boycott of SoulCycle and Equinox.
Ross said in a statement that he disagrees with the President on many things but does agree with him on certain specific issues.
Meanwhile, Trump, while talking to reporters at the White House, before the fundraiser, said that he considers Ross more of a liberal.
“By the way, I think he’s probably more inclined to be a liberal if you want to know the truth,” he said. “But he likes me. He respects me.”
Commenting on the backlash faced by Ross due to the fundraiser, Trump has said that he would benefit from it.
“I think it just makes Steve much hotter,” Trump said. ”He’ll figure that out in about a week, but he’s very happy.”