WHEELING, W.Va. — President Donald Trump ended his Wednesday with a private fundraiser in West Virginia.
Trump’s visit to Wheeling followed continuing buzz in Washington over testimony from former special counsel Robert Mueller.
The private fundraiser was held at WesBanco Arena; Bob Murray of Murray Energy hosted the event.
Lawmakers from Ohio and West Virginia attended the event, including Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and West Virginia Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, as well as West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice, Senate President Mitch Carmichael and House Speaker Roger Hanshaw.
The Republican National Committee looked to raise $2.5 million from the fundraiser.
“As President Trump returns to West Virginia, his record of accomplishment couldn’t be more clear. With over 25,000 new jobs created, the coal industry on the rebound, and the unemployment rate dropping by over a full percent since President Trump’s election, the Mountain State continues to thrive,” said Mandi Merritt, an RNC spokesperson.
West Virginia Republican Party Chairwoman Melody Potter was unable to attend the event, but issued a statement welcoming Trump back to the Mountain State.
“It’s always an honor to welcome President Trump to West Virginia! Since President Trump’s election, over 20,000 jobs have been created in the Mountain State,” she said. “The state’s unemployment rate is the lowest we’ve seen in a decade, and West Virginia coal miners and energy workers are back on the job. West Virginia is winning under President Trump’s leadership.”
Supporters and protesters greeted the president’s motorcade on his way to the arena.
Trump’s last visit to Wheeling was in September when he took part in a rally for state Attorney General Patrick Morrisey’s U.S. Senate campaign.