Following the refusal of President-elect Donald Trump’s campaign to pay nearly $50,000 in rally expenses, the City of Grand Rapids is considering having to write off the bills, which primarily entail public safety costs. The Trump campaign made two stops at Van Andel Arena in an effort to win over Michigan, a battleground state, in the presidential election.
Due to large crowds expected at both of Trump’s rallies, police, fire and other public safety officials were asked to be on duty, and ensure that rally attendees, Trump’s team and citizens who live near Van Andel remained safe. According to invoices, Trump’s first rally on July 20, 2024 cost the city $32,771.45, with $13,021.24 being charged for public work and certain areas of overtime and $18,500.21 being a labor charge, which includes overtime pay for public safety, such as police and fire presence. The Nov. 4, 2024 rally cost $16,340.54, with $2,175 being charged for traffic safety and $14,065.54 for public work, including overtime and equipment. The two rally stops brought the Trump campaign’s unpaid bill to $49,111.99.
David Green, the City of Grand Rapids’ director of communications, released a statement to multiple media outlets, noting, “Following conversations with the United States Secret Service, the City of Grand Rapids is unable to collect on the invoices for the recent Trump campaign visits.”
If the City writes off the expenses, Grand Rapids will be losing nearly $50,000, and will have to recoup that money in other ways.
“They (the Trump campaign) could easily be sued for the money,” said Whitt Kilburn, a political science professor at Grand Valley State University. “Usually, for any elected official, there would be a big reputational cost for leaving bills unpaid.”
According to Brandon DeHaan, the Grand Valley Police Department (GVPD) director of public safety and chief of police, the Grand Rapids Police Department asked local police partners for available assistance in working the rallies.
One officer, who was recommended to remain anonymous due to GVPD safety restrictions, worked both rallies. The officer helped with traffic control, and was paid overtime for his work by the City of Grand Rapids. Such labor is an example of the accumulated debt.
In addition to stops made by the Trump campaign, current Vice President Kamala Harris held a Grand Rapids rally at Riverside Park, about 10 minutes north of Van Andel Arena. The Oct. 18 event cost the city $2,800, with $1,500 going toward renting the park, according to the invoice. Harris’ rally was paid off in full by her team.
“The Trump campaign utilized a venue in a downtown district, requiring more road closures and associated safety measures (and) driving costs,” said the City of Grand Rapids’ Media Relations Manager, Steven Guitar. “The Harris campaign utilized a park with ample green space, requiring limited road closures and associated safety measures.”
With Michigan’s status as a battleground state in mind, the City of Grand Rapids has already begun planning new ways to ensure they do not lose money in the future. The statement made by the City also reads, “Given the unique nature of political campaigns and enhanced public safety requirements for individuals requiring Secret Service protection, the City is currently reviewing and developing specific policies and processes for future campaign visits based on what it’s (the City) learned.”
