How Much Trump Made From His Presidential Campaign? FEC Reports Say He Paid Millions To His Own Companies

Donald Trump paid $12.8 million to his own companies from his presidential campaign finances during the U.S. presidential elections, according to Federal Election Commission (FEC) reports.

As per the FEC data, $2 million went directly to Trump Tower's corporation in rent and utility payments for serving as the campaign's headquarters, along with some payroll, office suites and hotel stays, security and office supplies. This revealed that Trump ran more funds through his private enterprise than any other candidate in American presidential politics.

"I don't think we've ever seen one like this," Larry Noble, general counsel of the Campaign Legal Centre told CNN.

Trump's private plane company, TAG air reportedly received the maximum money from Trump's campaign, which amounted to $12.8 million that also includes costs associated with Trump-owned offices and hotels, security and office supplies.

Trump's Palm Beach club Mar-A-Lago, his Florida resort that he also calls his "Winter White House," was paid $435,000 by the campaign for facility rental, catering and lodging, while his golf courses collected $398,000 for same services mainly.

Trump International Hotel in Washington was paid about $37,000 by the campaign for catering, lodging, and facility rental, according to FEC data, which also accounts for total payments to Trump hotels of more than $400,000.

Eric Trump's Charlottesville, Virginia, vineyard was paid $32,000 for facilities rental and catering, while a related company Trump Virginia Acquisitions was also paid $2,300 for accommodations.

Trump's restaurants also received payments from the campaign which includes Trump Restaurants LLC receiving $78,000, Trump Grill getting $608 and Trump Café making $95. Trump Restaurants LLC also took in $141,000 for rent and utilities.

There have been rich presidents earlier, but they did not rely so heavily on campaign money that paid for their own companies and businesses. The reasons for this might have been either they did not want to attract attention toward their own wealth or to avoid the fact that made it appear like they were personally profiting from the politics.