Former President Donald Trump has recently made headlines by announcing that he will not be attending the upcoming J6 Awards Gala event. While the gala organizer’s website indicates that the Republican nominee was invited, Trump has stated that he will not be in attendance.
In the aftermath of the January 6, 2021 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, over 1,230 individuals have been charged with federal crimes. These charges range from misdemeanors like trespassing to more serious felonies such as assaulting police officers and seditious conspiracy.
Many of the defendants involved in the insurrection have been receiving external assistance to help cover their legal expenses. This has raised questions among VERIFY readers about the legitimacy of an event known as the “J6 Awards Gala.”
The Question
Is there really a fundraiser being held for Jan. 6 insurrection defendants at one of Trump’s golf courses?
The Answer
Yes, it is true that a fundraiser is indeed taking place for Jan. 6 insurrection defendants at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster. However, it remains unclear what role, if any, Trump is playing in this event. Reports suggest that Trump will not be present at the fundraiser.
What We Found
The J6 Awards Gala event is scheduled to take place on September 5 at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster. While Trump has previously participated in fundraising events for Jan. 6 defendants, his campaign has confirmed that he will not be attending this particular event.
The fundraising event aims to support the Stand in the Gap Foundation, a non-profit organization that assists with the legal expenses of Jan. 6 defendants. Ticket prices for the event range from $1,500 for general admission to $50,000 for a VIP platinum table of 12.
Confirmed guest speakers at the event include Trump’s former lawyer, Rudy Giuliani. While Trump’s attendance is not listed on the event website, an “INVITED” banner appears over his image.
In the past, Trump has shown support for jailed riot defendants and has participated in similar fundraising events organized by groups like the Patriot Freedom Project. However, his involvement in the upcoming J6 Awards Gala remains uncertain.
Attempts to reach out to Stand in the Gap, Trump National Golf Club, and The America Project (another event promoter) for comment have been unsuccessful at this time.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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