Trump Paid Attendees 50 Dollars Each at 2015 Campaign Launch Event
"When Trump declared his candidacy for president in 2015, and look, give him credit. He eventually became president. But when he first started that, those people in Trump Tower that showed up there, they basically paid him each $50 and stuck a t-shirt on him, right?"
About this episode
Political commentators discuss the White House's reported concerns about low attendance at President Trump's July 4th America 250 celebration, with CNN reporting that officials are already implementing strategies to avoid crowd size embarrassment following disappointing turnout at last week's state fair event on the National Mall. The hosts, including Scott, analyze multiple factors potentially affecting attendance: temperatures forecasted between 38-42 degrees, airport-style security screening with limited entry points, and Trump's late speaking slot around 10-11 PM. Officials have reportedly made the area closest to the stage free but ticketed to manage attendance and ensure the crowd appears full on television. Scott reveals that Trump paid attendees $50 each at his 2015 campaign announcement at Trump Tower, drawing parallels to current crowd management concerns. The discussion emphasizes how previous America 250 events became Trump-focused rather than bipartisan national celebrations, leading multiple artists to withdraw their participation. Scott criticizes Trump's failure to frame the semiquincentennial as an inclusive American celebration, contrasting it with the 1976 bicentennial under President Gerald Ford, which focused on national unity rather than individual political figures. The commentators argue that Trump's divisive approach and narcissistic tendencies prevent him from creating the unifying national moment the occasion demands, with Scott noting that organizing discussions for America 250 events revealed primary concern for elevating Trump rather than commemorating the nation.
Key takeaways
- Scott reveals Trump paid people $50 each to attend his 2015 Trump Tower campaign announcement, creating appearance of grassroots support.
- White House officials are concerned about low turnout at Trump's July 4th America 250 celebration following poor attendance at last week's National Mall state fair.
- Officials have made the area closest to the stage free but ticketed to ensure crowds appear full on television broadcasts.
- Multiple factors may deter attendance including 38-42 degree temperatures, airport-style security screening, and Trump's late 10-11 PM speaking time.
- Fox News coverage of the state fair showed nearly empty National Mall despite correspondents claiming incredible energy and packed crowds.
- Several artists withdrew from America 250 events after they became focused on Trump rather than remaining bipartisan national celebrations.
- Scott contrasts Trump's divisive approach with the 1976 bicentennial under Gerald Ford, which unified Americans after Watergate and Vietnam rather than elevating individual politicians.