A legal defense fund set up to help President Donald Trump's former campaign adviser Michael Cavuto has surpassed its goal and will use the additional money to assist others with legal expenses resulting from the probe of Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential campaign, The Washington Times reported Friday.
Trustees for the fund issued a statement that said the Michael Caputo Fund had raised over $300,000 in a week. The goal had been to raise $125,000 for Caputo's legal expenses amassed due to his appearances before federal investigators about claims of Russian interference in the campaign.
"With his fees so far paid in full, Michael asked us to consider assisting others caught up in this partisan witch hunt," principal trustee Ralph Lorigo said. "Our articles of trust allow such expenditures, and we believe his donors support this decision."
The statement said the next recipient of proceeds from the fund would be J.D. Gordon, a former Pentagon spokesman who was director of national security for Trump's 2016 presidential campaign. Investigators have sought information from Gordon about meetings in which he participated that may have involved discussion about Russian interest, involvement or influence in the U.S. presidential election.
"Supporting President Trump has drawn the wrath of countless Democrats, Never Trump Republicans, media and even spies who appear committed to ruining our lives and reputations by any means necessary," Gordon said Friday in a statement. "My legal costs were coming straight out of my military retirement pay, so this kindness and generosity is tremendously helpful."
Russia has denied involvement in the 2016 presidential election and the White House has continually said there was no collusion with Russians.