A new Pro-Trump Super PAC has been formed, with ties to Mar-a-Lago
A new super PAC supporting former President Donald J. Trump — and backed by a member of his private club, Mar-a-Lago — has emerged with plans to air ads during the general presidential election.
The group, Right for America, is backed by Ike Perlmutter, the billionaire former CEO of Marvel Entertainment, and will be led by a Trump ally, Sergio Gor, according to two people briefed on the matter.
It is unclear how much money the group plans to raise and when exactly ads will air. Its existence was first reported by Axios.
Mr Gor declined to comment. A spokesman for Mr. Perlmutter did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Mr. Trump has blessed the committee in private conversations, according to two people familiar with the matter.
Two other board members are also close associates of Mr. Trump: Lee Rizzuto and Anthony Lomangino.
Wealthy donors often want some degree of control over how their money is spent since the Supreme Court’s 2010 decision in Citizens United v. FEC paved the way for super PACs. But the pro-Trump group’s existence has already caused friction within Mr. S. Trump’s broader orbit. The main super PAC backing him, Make America Great Again Inc., has been aggressive for months, including attacking Trump’s rival, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, last year.
The potential for competing super PACs could raise issues regarding conflicting messages. And Mr. Trump could face questions about his proximity to the people who run it, since Mr. Perlmutter is a member of Mar-a-Lago, where the former president stays and often dines in the evenings in the presence of members. Legally, super PACs and campaigns cannot coordinate strategy.
The group has not yet announced who will make up its staff. But Mr. Trump has told allies that Mr. Perlmutter’s Hollywood associates will be involved in making the commercials.
Mr. Gor has a close relationship with Mr. Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr.. Together they run a publishing company that printed Mr. Trump’s two books after his presidency.
Mr. Perlmutter has a long history with Mr. Trump and has often been involved in the former president’s work. Mr. Perlmutter and two other club members had a hand in shaping policy at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs while Mr. Trump was president.