Trump campaign launches grassroots voter outreach program following hush money verdict, Internet calls move a 'waste of time'

MANHATTAN, NEW YORK: Former President Donald Trump faced backlash as his campaign and the Republican National Committee (RNC) initiated a significant grassroots voter outreach effort in crucial battleground states, just one day after his conviction in the New York hush money case.

The 45th POTUS was found guilty on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records after a brief deliberation on Thursday, May 30, with sentencing scheduled for July 11. 

'Trump Force 47' program overview

Dubbed "Trump Force 47," the program aims to mobilize tens of thousands of volunteers through "neighbor-to-neighbor" organizing, as Trump gears up for a potential rematch against President Joe Biden in November.

The joint initiative between the Trump campaign and the RNC will rely on state and local parties, as well as precinct-level organization, according to RNC Chair Michael Whatley. Supporters have the option to become "Trump Force 47 Captains" or receive training as poll watchers, as per The Hill.

Trump campaign raked in $35 million after hush money guilty verdict

The launch follows Trump's unprecedented felony conviction, a verdict he and his supporters have denounced as rigged.

"This was a rigged, disgraceful trial. The real verdict is going to be November 5 by the people, and they know what happened here, and everybody knows what happened here," said the former president after the verdict was delivered on Thursday.

President Biden criticized his claims saying "it’s reckless, it’s dangerous, it’s irresponsible" to call the matter rigged "just because they don’t like the verdict." Having said that, some experts had anticipated that a conviction could bolster Trump's narrative of a rigged election, potentially energizing his base.

Despite the legal setback, Trump's fundraising efforts surged, with a reported $35 million raised after the verdict. Both the Republicans' House and Senate campaign arms also experienced record-breaking single-day online fundraising.

While the ex-POTUS' might have strong fundraising performance, the incumbent has the advantage in cash on hand. Furthermore, new polling has put Trump ahead in swing states, with The Hill/Decision Desk HQ's most recent polling averages showing him up 1.5 points nationally.

"Trump voters and Republicans are more motivated than ever to do their part to defend President Trump from Joe Biden," noted Trump co-campaign managers Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles, in a statement.

Internet reacts to 'Trump Force 47' voter outreach effort

One simply wrote, "Trump is a FELON," and another said, "Waste of damn time. Americans don't want a felon as president."

"All you need to know is: Vote for Trump, save America and your pocketbook," commented a person. Someone else claimed, "What everyone should know: he's a convicted felon who stole one election and will try to do the same this year."

One more fumed, "The party of psychopaths. They are just the hardest vermin to get rid of, no matter how much bug spray you use." 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.