Trump backers start outside money political group
Several key political operatives from President Trump’s campaign announced plans Monday to launch an outside group they say will promote the new president’s policies and provide a “counter balance” to “the agenda of the liberal and biased media.”
The group, called America First Policies, will operate as a non-profit to mobilize public support for Trump’s agenda and “communicate directly to citizens,” according to a statement announcing the new venture.
Leading the organization: Nick Ayers, a top campaign aide to Vice President Pence; Rick Gates, who served as a deputy to one-time Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort; longtime Pence aide Marty Obst; and Brad Parscale, who oversaw digital operations for the campaign.
Trump’s deputy campaign manager, David Bossie, and frequent campaign surrogate Katrina Pierson also will join the new group.
“President Trump campaigned on a bold but basic concept: America First,” the group said in a statement. “This is a concept the American people both understand and support, but few in the media recognize and many politicians beholden to special interests will oppose.”
As a non-profit advocacy organization, America First Policies can accept unlimited sums and will not have to disclose its donors. Officials say they will not accept donations from federal lobbyists.
In the statement, the group’s leaders say they expect “significant” funding, but added that “the most powerful thing this organization can do is harness the power and energy from everyday ordinary Americans.”
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