Former President Donald Trump is attempting to implement a new campaign strategy based on the name, image, and likeness rules recently established in college athletics. In a letter sent to down-ballot GOP campaigns, the Trump presidential campaign is asking for at least a 5% share of funds raised through advertising that features Trump’s name, image, or likeness.
The letter, signed by campaign co-managers Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita, requests that all campaigns and committees using Trump’s name, image, or likeness contribute a minimum of 5% of the funds raised to the Trump National Committee JFC. The campaign aims to protect small-dollar donors from being misled into thinking they are contributing directly to Trump’s campaign when the funds may actually be going to other candidates.
“We ask that all candidates and committees who choose to use President Trump’s name, image, and likeness split a minimum of 5% of all fundraising solicitations to Trump National Committee JFC.”
The Trump campaign is also concerned about candidates who use Trump’s images to suggest they have his endorsement, even when they do not. In addition to requesting a cut of the funds, the campaign’s letter also includes guidelines on how to appropriately use Trump’s name, image, and likeness in campaign materials.
The letter advises candidates not to speak on behalf of Trump or mention his family without their consent. It also warns against impersonating Trump or his campaign. Vendors working with campaigns that do not adhere to these guidelines could face repercussions, including the suspension of business relationships with the Trump National Committee JFC.
