A Trump-affiliated super PAC has ignited backlash with a fundraising email that warns supporters of impending “punishment” in the form of Democrats seizing their hypothetical “tariff rebate checks” unless they donate immediately. The tactic, sent out by Never Surrender, Inc.—a rebranded entity from Trump’s 2024 campaign—has been slammed as scam-like, raising questions about the ethics of political fundraising in 2026.
The Urgent Email: Threats and Demands
The email, distributed this week, employs high-pressure language to solicit donations. It declares, “Troubles are BOILING OVER,” and claims “Dems want to send your check to illegals if you don’t respond in the next hour!” Supporters are urged to act fast, with the message stating “Only a massive and immediate response will do” to prevent everything accomplished from going “BYE BYE.” The goal: Hit an end-of-year fundraising target by midnight, or face dire consequences.
This builds on Trump’s floated “Liberation Day” concept, promising rebate checks from tariffs to offset costs—though economists clarify tariffs are consumer taxes, not surplus funds for redistribution. The email includes fine print disclaiming it’s not official government communication, but critics argue the urgency mimics classic scam red flags.
Backlash: ‘How Tf Is This Legal?’
Reactions poured in on platforms like Threads, where users decried the approach. One commenter noted, “First rule of cybersecurity training is if the person uses an extreme sense of urgency it’s a major red flag that they are a scammer.” Others expressed disbelief: “It’s amazing how hard it is to kill evil,” and directly questioned “How tf is this legal?”
Progressive voices, including commentator Brian Tyler Cohen on Facebook, warned that such rhetoric could expose vulnerable supporters to actual fraudsters exploiting the tariff rebate narrative. Supporters were mocked in some circles, with remarks like “Donald Trump counts on his supporters being the dumbest people on the planet” and queries about why a billionaire needs constant donations.
Broader Context: Fundraising Amid Political Pressures
This incident unfolds against Trump’s 39% approval rating and looming 2026 midterms, where Republicans hold slim majorities (53–47 in the Senate, 220–213 in the House). With challenges like government spending fights, health care costs, shutdown threats, and Supreme Court cases on tariffs, the PAC’s aggressive tactics aim to bolster funds amid potential losses. Recent Democratic election sweeps and voter discontent over rising costs add urgency, while Congress’s low output (61 laws in 2025) fuels criticism.
Trump’s history includes similar urgent appeals, and the Better Business Bureau has flagged scams mimicking rebate claims. As midterms approach, a Democratic House could reopen investigations, prompting Trump to discourage primaries among allies.
What do you think—desperate fundraising or smart strategy? The debate rages on.