After spending yet another week in Manhattan courtroom, Donald Trump plans to spend the weekend at his Mar-a-Lago residence surrounded by potential VP picks — and deep-pocketed donors.
The two-day RNC retreat is expecting to see more than 400 donors and high-profile politicians.
The event is open to those who have given $25,000 or more, the invitation says.
A list of “Special Guests” include Tim Scott, Marco Rubio, Elise Stefanik and Kristi Noem — all of whom are considered to be on the GOP presidential hopeful’s shortlist for vice president.
The ritzy event likely comes as a welcome change to Mr Trump, who endured the third week of his hush money trial.
Jurors heard testimony from his former aide and press secretary to Mr Trump, Hope Hicks.
Ms Hicks was a crucial part of the 2016 Trump campaign and allegedly part of at least 10 telephone conversations with Mr Trump and former fixer and attorney Michael Cohen regarding the hush money payments and alleged reimbursements.
Her testimony covered the impact on the campaign of the Access Hollywood tape and news of the Karen McDougal affair.
The trial will resume on Monday.
The Independent’s Alex Woodward is covering the trial at Manhattan Criminal Court.