Did Donald Trump Donate to Kamala Harris?

The question of whether Donald Trump donated to Kamala Harris's campaigns has been a topic of interest and speculation. Recent findings suggest that he did donate twice, as evidenced by California state records.

Trump’s Past Support for Kamala Harris

According to campaign-finance records, President Trump, who now publicly denounces Kamala Harris as “nasty and mean,” donated a total of $6,000 to Kamala D. Harris's electoral campaigns while she was serving as the Attorney General of California. This donation occurred before their political rivalry and he turned towards self-aggrandizing political ventures.

Detailed Examination of the Donations

Tracing back the history, the records indicate that President Trump donated $5,000 in 2011 and another $1,000 in 2013 while still a private citizen. His daughter, Ivanka Trump, who is described as his official adviser, also donated $2,000 in 2014. These donations were made to Kamala Harris's campaign for the California Attorney General position, which she had already won as a Democrat in 2010 and subsequently re-elected in 2014.

Public Reactions and Context

Public perception and reactions to these donations vary widely. For instance, some point out that even during his time as a businessman, Trump recognized the political prowess of Kamala Harris, as evidenced by his contributions. Others note that the relationship between Trump and the Democratic leadership shifted significantly once he became president, seeing Trump as the target of political change.

Aftermath and Political Developments

Following Kamala Harris's selection as Joe Biden's running mate, she became a significant political figure. Records show that after winning her initial election, Harris donated the $6,000 from Trump, minus $2,000 she received from his daughter, to a charity advocating for Central Americans. It’s noteworthy that at the time of the election in 2014, Trump and his 2020 campaign had already released attack ads against Harris, labeling her as “phony” and “radical.”

Conclusion

The donations shed light on the complex dynamics of political support and change. While Trump’s support for Harris may seem counterintuitive given their current adversarial stance, it highlights the unpredictability and shifting nature of political relationships.