The Democratic National Committee (DNC) is facing significant challenges as major donors reportedly declined a fundraising event for former Vice President Kamala Harris, with one even sending a ‘profanity-laced rejection,’ according to a report by the Wall Street Journal. This reflects a broader trend of donor disengagement, as the party struggles to raise funds during President Donald Trump’s second term in office.
According to multiple sources, the DNC had reached out to prominent donors earlier this year for a San Francisco-based fundraiser, but most of them declined, citing their reluctance to contribute without a clear strategy to win elections. One donor reportedly sent a harsh, profanity-laced message rejecting the invitation, underscoring the growing frustration among key contributors. The report also noted that some donors expressed dissatisfaction over how funds were spent in the 2024 presidential election, particularly regarding the compensation of high-profile Washington, D.C. consultants.
Despite these setbacks, the DNC managed to secure another donor to host the event, although the funds raised were lower than expected. This financial shortcoming, along with reports of declining overall donations, is attributed to internal struggles within the party. Donors are increasingly wary of the DNC’s direction, especially in light of Harris’ unsuccessful presidential campaign and the lack of a coherent plan for the upcoming midterm elections.
The party’s financial situation is further highlighted by its current cash reserves of $12 million, compared to the $86 million held by the Republican National Committee (RNC). While some see this disparity as a reflection of the out-of-power party’s limited fundraising capabilities, others believe it reflects deeper ideological divides within the Democratic Party between progressive and establishment factions. A top official at a national Democratic group noted that some donors remain angry over how their money was spent, with calls for a public post-election investigation into the 2024 campaign’s shortcomings.
Despite the challenges, some donors remain cautiously optimistic, focusing on state-level elections. For example, several contributors have shown interest in supporting Abigail Spanberger’s bid for Virginia governor. Meanwhile, figures like Bernie Sanders have called for the Democratic Party to make a ‘fundamental decision about what they stand for,’ signaling the ongoing ideological debates within the party. The DNC continues to face pressure to address these internal divides and restore donor confidence as it prepares for future elections.