Trump’s campaign finances are strained as legal peril mounts

By BRIAN SLODYSKO and JILL COLVIN
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump’s political operation enters the second half of the year in a strained financial position. Its bank account is drained by tens of millions of dollars that were directed toward defending the former president from mounting legal challenges as he seeks the White House again. Trump took in over $53 million since the start of 2023. But during that period he was indicted twice on criminal charges in Florida and New York — and faces the prospect of two more. The Republican presidential front-runner had just $31.8 million cash on hand after burning through at least $42.8 million this year, much of it used to cover expenses related to the mounting legal costs.