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Donald Trump (on March 5th)

Photo: Cristobal Herrera-Ulashkevich / EPA

An important deadline is approaching for Donald Trump these days.

And so far it doesn't look like the Republican will be able to raise the $454 million on his own, which he will soon have to present to a court.

That's why the US presidential candidate's campaign team asked for one million donations from his supporters.

"Before the day is over, I call on ONE MILLION pro-Trump patriots to do their part and say: STOP THE WITCH HUNT AGAINST PRESIDENT TRUMP!" said the message.

Contributions of between $20.24 and $3,300 are also requested.

New York prosecutor Letitia James is also accused of trying to seize Trump's properties.

This is part of an attempt by President Joe Biden's Democrats to diminish the Republican's election chances.

“KEEP YOUR DIRTY HANDS OFF TRUMP TOWER!” the message continued.

Trump's lawyers had said the day before that the businessman had not yet been able to provide the security required in the New York fraud trial.

He had apparently asked a number of insurance companies and providers specializing in security services - and was turned down.

The Republican must either present the sum himself or provide security in order to be able to appeal and prevent his property from being confiscated.

James, a Democrat, has said she will do so if he fails to meet a March 25 deadline.

Was Trump even allowed to use the money?

A few days ago, Trump also provided security for $96.1 million in connection with the libel case against writer E. Jean Carroll.

For this he had negotiated a deal with the insurance company Chubb.

According to the US broadcaster CNN, things looked different in the 454 million case.

Trump has denied all allegations in both cases.

There were no comments from him or James.

It was initially unclear whether Trump could use the donations to pay the fines.

US law prohibits using campaign funds for personal expenses.

However, Trump was able to use donations to cover some of his legal fees on the grounds that his defense was campaign-related.

The presidential election will take place at the beginning of November, and Biden and Trump are actually tied in the polls.

The Republican has to answer to a whole series of legal proceedings at the same time as the election campaign.

jok/Reuters