Trump will be at 2022 Kentucky Derby for fundraiser

Former President Donald Trump will use the 2022 Kentucky Derby as a fundraiser when he attends the race next month, according to an invitation that was posted Thursday on Twitter by a New York Times reporter.

The invitation shared by Maggie Haberman came from Trump’s political action committee. It specifically said the event would be May 7 at Churchill Downs “with special guest President Donald J. Trump.”

It called for a donation of $75,000 per person or $150,000 per couple to attend the event. Former Florida attorney general Pam Bondi, Trump cabinet members Richard Grenell and Matthew Whitaker and TV personality Kimberly Guilfoyle, all part of the inner circle of the former president, were shown as senders on the invitation. Florida lobbyist Meredith O’Rourke was shown as the RSVP contact.

Spokespersons for Churchill Downs had not yet gotten back to Horse Racing Nation after they were asked Friday morning whether there would be added security because of Trump’s presence.

With COVID restrictions dropped, attendance at the race is widely expected to pass 150,000 for the first time since 2019.