'He needs it': Internet divided as Trump raises more than $15M in posh Atlanta neighborhood

ATLANTA, GEORGIA: Former President Donald Trump's fundraising efforts reached new heights as he pulled in millions during a high-profile event in Atlanta's upscale Buckhead district.

The fundraiser, held in an area known for its affluent residents and staunch opposition to the city's handling of crime, underscored Trump's ongoing support among influential donors.

Fundraising success in Buckhead

"Our digital online fundraising continues to skyrocket, our major donor investments are climbing, and Democrats are running scared of the fundraising prowess of President Trump. We are not only raising the necessary funds, but we are deploying strategic assets that will help send President Trump back to the White House and carry Republicans over the finish line," remarked Trump campaign communications director Steven Cheung to Fox News, highlighting the campaign's momentum.

The event, attended by local luminaries such as former Sens Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue, as well as business magnates Bernie Marcus and Tommy Bagwell, saw Trump amass over $15 million in contributions. Guests reportedly spent upwards of $6,600 per couple to attend, with select individuals shelling out as much as $250,000 to be part of the event's welcoming committee.

The fundraiser comes against the backdrop of growing concerns over crime in Buckhead, an issue that has long troubled residents.

Described as the "Beverly Hills of the South," Buckhead has grappled with rising violent crime rates, prompting calls for secession from the city. Residents, frustrated with what they perceive as inadequate responses from city leaders, have voiced grievances over their safety and the efficacy of law enforcement.

"We are really feeling like this is a war zone... This is murder and mayhem… We are dealing with a mayor who voted to defund the police," Bill White, CEO of the Buckhead City Committee, told 'Fox & Friends First' in 2022.

Atlanta, like many cities across the nation, experienced a surge in violent crime amid the social upheaval of 2020. Calls to defund the police gained traction, further exacerbating tensions between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

Experts attribute part of the crime trend to anti-police rhetoric and diminished police presence, leading to mass resignations and a decline in proactive policing, per Fox News.

Social media divided as Trump's fundraising finds success

Social media reactions to Trump's fundraising success in Atlanta were polarized. Supporters lauded his promises to restore law and order.

"Oddly enough, I’m a huge Trump fan because I know he’ll hire back police, protect us and enforce the law, alone with many other things that will make America great. So I get it," one posted on X.

"Yayyy. We’re so happy. Everybody wants Trump to come back and clean up Biden’s mess. Even the democrats want Trump back," a comment read.

"EVERY AMERICAN needs TRUMP. ESPECIALLY those in communities INTENTIONALLY destroyed by DEMOCRATS for the past 50+ YEARS. TRUMP CAN RESTORE PEACE AND HOPE to these people," another gushed.

Meanwhile, critics mocked Trump's legal challenges and questioned the source of his funding.

"Millions for his lawyers," a user quipped.

"Of course he needs it with all his LEGAL BILLS!" another wrote.

"From who, that well has run dry," someone else added.

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