Fact Check: Campaigners are raising money to assassinate Donald Trump.

Fact Check: "Campaigners are raising money to assassinate Donald Trump."

What We Know

The claim that "campaigners are raising money to assassinate Donald Trump" appears to stem from a combination of recent events and misinterpretations of fundraising activities. Notably, a hardline Iranian cleric, Abdolmajid Kharaghaani, did announce a fundraiser aimed at assassinating both Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, which has gained media attention (Telegraph). However, this initiative is not connected to any organized campaign within the United States or among domestic political groups.

In the U.S., there is a significant fundraising effort by various liberal foundations aimed at raising $250 million to support civil groups that oppose what they perceive as authoritarianism under Trump. This initiative, led by Deepak Bhargava of Freedom Together, focuses on nonpartisan nonprofits and does not involve any calls for violence or assassination (New York Times). The funds are intended to support legal actions, provide security for activists, and underwrite media organizations, all within the bounds of legal political activity.

Additionally, there have been incidents involving threats to Trump's life, including a recent arrest of a suspect with a rifle near one of Trump's golf outings, which Trump himself has used to rally support and solicit donations (Washington Post). However, these incidents do not imply that there is a widespread campaign to assassinate him.

Analysis

The claim of fundraising for Trump's assassination is misleading and conflates separate issues. The Iranian cleric's announcement is a distinct and isolated incident that does not reflect a broader campaign within the U.S. political landscape. This cleric's statements are not representative of American political discourse or fundraising efforts, which are largely focused on legal and civic engagement rather than violence.

The fundraising efforts by liberal foundations, while substantial, are aimed at bolstering democratic institutions and civil society in response to perceived threats from Trump's administration. These efforts are characterized by their nonpartisan nature and adherence to legal frameworks governing political donations (New York Times). The sources of this information are credible, including established news organizations like The New York Times and The Washington Post, which provide detailed reporting on the context and motivations behind these fundraising efforts.

Conversely, the Iranian cleric's initiative lacks the same level of credibility and is more indicative of extreme political rhetoric rather than a serious operational plan. The motivations behind such statements often stem from geopolitical tensions rather than domestic political strategies.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that "campaigners are raising money to assassinate Donald Trump" is false. While there are isolated incidents and statements from foreign individuals that suggest such intentions, there is no organized campaign within the U.S. that aligns with this claim. The significant fundraising efforts by liberal groups are focused on supporting democratic institutions and civil society, not on promoting violence or assassination.

Fact Check: Campaigners are raising money to assassinate Donald Trump.