Former President Donald Trump is intensifying his campaign efforts ahead of a potential 2024 presidential run by reaching out to potential megadonors, according to a source familiar with the endeavor. Trump has been engaging in personal calls, offering motorcade rides, and hosting meals at his Mar-a-Lago private club to attract financial support.

Several prominent figures have already shown their support for Trump's campaign. Casino magnate Steve Wynn spent the New Hampshire primary night alongside Trump, while aerospace mogul Robert Bigelow and Las Vegas businessman Don Ahern joined Trump's motorcade during a recent Nevada campaign event. Trump is also set to have dinner with a slate of big donors at a private home in Palm Beach, Florida.

The former president has successfully secured financial commitments from many of these high-dollar donors, including Ahern and Bigelow. Bigelow, who was a major financial backer of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, contributed $20 million to the super PAC supporting DeSantis' presidential bid. Despite DeSantis dropping out of the GOP race, his donors have shown their allegiance to Trump.

It remains unclear if these recent financial commitments will be reflected in the campaign filings due this week with federal regulators, which cover the final months of 2023. However, officials from the Trump-supporting super PAC, MAGA, Inc., have already announced that they raised over $46 million in the second half of last year, a significant increase from the $13 million raised in the first half.

While some large Republican donors had initially distanced themselves from Trump following his loss in 2020 and the events of January 6, 2021, there has been a shift in their support. Some donors have started to back former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley after previously supporting DeSantis. Haley, who remains Trump's main rival for the GOP nomination, has been actively fundraising and is scheduled to hold numerous money-raising events across the country before the South Carolina primary on February 24.

Haley's campaign is particularly focused on gathering resources to finance her bid, including a fundraiser in New York City co-hosted by notable Wall Street billionaires. The campaign official expects this event alone to bring in approximately $1.5 million in new donations. Trump's recent threat to permanently bar donors who contribute to Haley's campaign has generated backlash among her supporters, leading to a boost in fundraising for her campaign.

Despite the challenges, Haley remains committed to the race and believes that a lot can change in the coming weeks. She is determined to close the gap between her and Trump before the South Carolina primary, highlighting her successful surge in New Hampshire and increased visibility in South Carolina.

As the race for the 2024 Republican nomination heats up, Trump's efforts to secure megadonors and gain financial backing are becoming increasingly important. The battle between Trump and Haley continues to unfold, with both candidates actively engaging with donors and positioning themselves for a competitive primary race.