Trump and his family have given only about $7,500 since the limits were enacted, data show.
Trump’s federal donations are also minuscule when compared with those of others, especially after the Citizens United ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court in 2010 allowed unlimited contributions from individuals and corporations to political committees.
About 60 people have already donated at least $1 million to independent political committees supporting Democratic and Republican presidential candidates in 2016, federal data show.
Yet Trump, his ex-wives, children and business entities have given only $1.9 million to national candidates and committees since 1989, according to the Center for Responsive Politics in Washington, which documents the influence of money. Trump also has given $640,500 to the Republican Governors Association and other nonprofit political groups.
“The facts don’t really line up with the bluster,” said Viveca Novak, a spokeswoman for the center.
Trump has power beyond mere cash, said Barbara Bartoletti, legislative director for the League of Women Voters of New York State, which advocates public financing of campaigns. As a billionaire and entertainer, his double shot of celebrity is a singular phenomenon.
“He doesn’t need to spend the money,” Bartoletti said. “The name recognition alone carries him pretty far.”