Staff Reports
In a striking development in Washington, D.C., the campaign of former President Donald Trump is making waves, issuing a stern warning to lobbyists in the nation's political hub. Trump's team is exerting pressure on lobbyists, signaling that failure to support Trump's bid in the Republican presidential primary could result in restricted access to the White House.
With the Republican primary approaching, the Trump campaign is leaving no room for ambiguity. "If you don't vote, don't bother reaching out," a Trump campaign official asserted unequivocally.
Trump sends warning to lobbyists ahead of DC primary: Show up or ‘don’t bother calling’https://t.co/10t3CQGkWA
— Linda Drake (@leedrake221492) March 3, 2024
Adding intrigue to the situation, D.C. regulations permit campaigns to scrutinize voter rolls, providing insight into voter turnout. Although they cannot discern individual voting preferences, the Trump campaign intends to take note of those who abstain from participating in the democratic process.
A well-informed Trump aide disclosed to Politico the campaign's meticulous strategy to identify non-participants. "The Trump campaign is acutely aware of the composition of GOP primary voters in D.C.," remarked Bryan Lanza, a Republican lobbyist in Washington, D.C., and a participant in Trump's 2016 campaign. He cautioned lobbyists that failing to engage could have adverse consequences.
Turning to the numbers, there are 19 delegates at stake in the district, potentially pivotal for Trump's rival, Nikki Haley. Haley, aiming for her first triumph against the former president, trails significantly with only 24 delegates compared to Trump's commanding 155. These delegates in Washington could significantly bolster her chances.
However, a storm looms on the horizon. The former president is poised to widen the delegate gap further as primary races unfold in Missouri, Idaho, and Michigan this weekend. The data indicates Trump's delegate count will likely expand, presenting Haley with a formidable challenge.
In this political maneuvering, Trump's message is clear: comply or face repercussions. The question lingering is whether lobbyists will heed the warning or incur the wrath of a disregarded campaign. The unfolding events promise to add more intrigue to an already captivating narrative. Stay tuned!
