12:30 Report — Inside Trump’s fundraising and legal fees

Happy Friday! Punxsutawney Phil predicted an early spring this morning! 🎩 I can’t argue with that science. But hey, I’m thrilled about an early spring! Here’s what’s happening today:

• There’s a report that behind closed doors, President Biden refers to former President Trump as a “sick f—” and a “f—ing a–hole.” I know I have everyone’s attention now. 😉
• The U.S. added an astoundingly high number of jobs in January.
• Trump spent roughly
  $50 million in legal fees in 2023, according to newly filed federal records. Keep reading to see how much his lawyers made.

I’m Cate
Martel with a quick recap of the morning and what’s coming up. Send tips, commentary, feedback and cookie recipes to cmartel@thehill.com. Did someone forward this newsletter to you? Sign up here.  

The U.S. economy added an astounding 353,000 jobs in January, and the unemployment rate remained at 3.7 percent. (The Hill)

Because those numbers don’t mean much without context: Economists polled by The Wall Street Journal had predicted a gain of roughly 185,000 jobs and a 3.8 percent unemployment rate.

💡What this means for the economy: Inflation and high prices are still a top concern for voters, but this is evidence of a strong economy. Recent polling shows that consumer confidence is at a two-year high.

💡 Why this matters politically: As the incumbent in the 2024 presidential race, President Biden must defend the economy, so this certainly helps him make his economic pitch. Biden and former President Trump, Biden’s likely GOP presidential rival, have sparred over the economy. have sparred over the economy.

• ‘Hiring Accelerated With 353,000 Jobs Added Last Month’: The Wall Street Journal
• 
  ‘The blockbuster jobs report bolsters the Fed’s patience as it waits to cut rates.’: The New York Times
• 
  ‘US job growth unexpectedly jumps in January as economy adds 353,000 new positions’: Fox Business
• 
  ‘Labor market grew 353,000 in January, a surprisingly strong pickup’: The Washington Post

The Washington Post’s Abha Bhattarai and Jeff Stein answer the question: “Inflation has fallen. Why are groceries still so expensive?”

The gist: “Ongoing supply chain disruptions, droughts, avian flu, labor shortage and more continue to keep grocery prices high.” (The Washington Post)

President Biden refers to former President Trump to his friends and close aides as a “sick f—,” according to a Politico report.

But wait, it doesn’t end there!: Biden recently mentioned Trump as: “What a f—ing a–hole the guy is.”

The report says Biden has a “reputation for salty language” in private. (Politico)

Presidential, House and Senate candidates submitted their campaign finance reports to the Federal Election Commission (FEC).

Why should we care?: It gives fascinating insight into what candidates are up to.

For example: We learned that President Biden raised more than former President Trump last quarter.

And: Trump spent roughly $50 million in legal fees in 2023 (!), including $23 million in the second half of the year.

Read more — ‘What we learned from 2024 candidates’ year-end fundraising reports’

Plus: “Trump ramps up efforts to attract more megadonors as Haley launches fundraising blitz.” (CNN)

Haley is trying to troll Trump: GOP presidential candidate and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki
Haley posted a photo of a fake Spirit Halloween costume called the “weakest general election candidate” featuring a picture of Trump. It includes “$50M in legal fees,” “terrible poll numbers,” “social media rants” and “temper tantrums.” Photo of the mock costume kit

Trump’s hands?: The photos have led to widespread online speculation over whether he had a skin condition, red marker or a paper cut. Trump was asked about his hands and said there was “nothing” wrong with them. “Maybe it was AI,” he speculated. What we know about the saga  

Trump is worried about AI: In an interview with Fox Business Network, Trump called artificial intelligence (AI) “maybe the most dangerous thing out there.”
Trump elaborated: “One day you don’t have any money in your account. It can be a very dangerous thing.” Trump’s full quote

Donald Trump Jr. is coming to DC: Trump’s son will headline a Washington, D.C., fundraiser in March. (The Hill)

‘Trump risks backlash as MAGA world zeroes in on Taylor Swift’: Read Julia Mueller’s reporting in The Hill.

🥔 Celebrate: Today is National Tater Tot Day! And for weekend planning, I thought you should know that Saturday is National Carrot Cake Day. 🥕

😳
Remember when former NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio dropped the groundhog?: And then the groundhog died? Well, it’s been 10 years since that ordeal. (City & State New York)

• 
  Well, this is incredible: Semafor’s Kadia Goba reportedly texted De Blasio, asking: “It’s been 10 years since that groundhog incident. What’s one thing everyone gets wrong when they talk about that fateful day?”
• De Blasio’s response, according to Goba: “Any event at 7 in the morning featuring an agitated live animal doesn’t end well…”
  📱 Read the texts

🌤️
How accurate is Phil’s prediction?: Not very. CBS News writes that “between 2013 and 2023, he saw his shadow seven times, and of those seven, he was correct only once.” The list of recent years’ predictions and outcomes

💳 If you use Venmo: The Washington Post’s Heather Kelly recommends setting your payment history to “private.” Kelly also suggests hiding past transactions because “you might be shocked at the information you’re sharing publicly.”
How to privately use Venmo

The House and Senate are out. President Biden is in Delaware and Vice President Harris is in South Carolina. (all times Eastern)

• 12:10 p.m.: Biden and first lady
  Jill Biden meet with the families of the U.S. military members who were killed in Jordan. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and CQ Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also attend.
• 
  1:30 p.m.: The Bidens participate in a dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base.
• 2:55 p.m.: The Bidens return to New Castle, Del.
• 3:30 p.m.: Harris meets with community and faith leaders in Orangeburg, S.C., to discuss “efforts to ensure all communities can live with dignity, safety and respect and to have access to opportunity.”
• 5 p.m.: Harris speaks at a campaign event in Orangeburg. 💻 Livestream
• 7:55 p.m.: Harris returns to Washington, D.C.
• 
  3 p.m. Monday: The Senate meets next. 🗓️ Monday’s agenda

To leave you craving junk food, here’s a dog who is extremely unwilling to give up its bag of Cheetos.

Thanks to The Hill’s
Emily Martin for finding this!