Topline
The Republican National Committee (RNC) reportedly paid more than $300,000 to buy copies of Donald Trump Jr.’s new self-published book, according to a report by Daily Beast, which were eventually given out to donors who had contributed between $50 and $100 to the RNC.
Key Facts
According to the report, the RNC’s payment of $303,892.47 was made to a company called Pursuit Venture LLC, which lists the President’s eldest son as its principal.
RNC donors who contributed between $50 and $100, received autographed copies of the book “Liberal Privilege” and the promotion reportedly helped raise substantial sums.
While it is common for political groups to use books as part of their fundraising effort, Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings show that RNC’s payment’s to Trump Jr.’s company was the single largest single payment — out of 700 — that the committee has ever reported for donor “mementos” or “gifts,” the report added.
Key Background
Last year, the Republican National Committee had paid $94,800 to buy copies of Trump Jr.’s previous book “Triggered” which had been published by Hachette. The RNC had then told the New York Times, that they had managed to nearly raise $1 million through promotions offering signed copies of the book. Unlike his first book, however, Trump Jr.’s decision to self-publish his second book means that he will receive a much large share of the revenue from sales.
Surprising Fact
Despite reaching the eighth spot on Amazon’s bestseller list in September, “Liberal Privilege” doesn’t feature in Amazon’s Top 100 best sellers of 2020 (so far). The top spot is held by a Trump, but it is the book “Too Much and Never Enough” a scathing critique of the president penned by his niece Mary Trump. President Barack Obama’s “Promised Land” holds the second spot.
Further Reading
The RNC Shelled Out $300k for Don Jr.’s New Book (Daily Beast)
Don. Jr.’s Self-Published Book Climbs Amazon Charts As Right-Wing Media Thrives (Forbes)
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