NPR

SoulCycle Owner, Trump Donors Face Public Shaming

Opponents of President Trump are increasing public pressure on those who contribute to the Trump reelection campaign. One major Trump donor faces a call for a boycott of a business he owns, SoulCycle.
A SoulCycle fitness studio in New York City. The billionaire owner of Equinox and SoulCycle, Stephen Ross, is planning a fundraiser event for President Trump.

Trump campaign donors are under pressure.

Two high-profile episodes this week could signal a year in which the glare of the campaign usually reserved for candidates pivots to put those who make personal donations to political campaigns in the spotlight.

The first comes courtesy of Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, of San Antonio, who is also the co-chairman of his twin brother Julian Castro's campaign for the Democratic nomination for president.

On August 5, Rep.out dozens of local businesses and individuals who donated the maximum ($2,800 ) to the Trump re-election effort. The tweet said "Sad to see so many San Antonians as 2019 maximum donors to Donald Trump." He listed a few in the tweet — including a BBQ owner and a realtor — and then a much longer list in an attachment featuring 44 names in all. The body of the tweet continued, "Their contributions are fueling a campaign of hate that labels Hispanic immigrants as 'invaders.'"

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