Trump backers seize on GoFundMe controversy as truckers linger in U.S. headlines

Feb 7, 2022 | 10:18 AM

WASHINGTON — Right-wing politicians and media personalities in the United States aren’t letting the crowdfunding website GoFundMe off the hook just yet. 

The platform became a target over the weekend for prominent Republican lawmakers and state leaders after freezing more than $9 million in donations earmarked for the ongoing protests in Ottawa. 

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz were among those who attacked GoFundMe for initially saying it would redistribute the remaining funds among charities chosen by protest organizers. 

The company reversed course quickly, however, promising automatic refunds to donors just hours after its initial announcement. 

That isn’t stopping the right-wing media machine in the U.S., which continues to savage GoFundMe as they devote outsized daily coverage to the Canadian protests. 

Donald Trump’s former White House press secretary, Kayleigh McEnany, described the protesters as “our freedom fighters” in a segment today on Fox News. 

“These guys are the real deal,” said McEnany, the co-host of a midday Fox show called “Outnumbered.”

“They’re standing up to their Orwellian dictatorial government with all of these COVID edicts, and good for them. And guess what … they have the support of the people.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 7, 2022. 

The Canadian Press