Trump’s London fundraiser nets $3m – thanks to Neighbours star Holly Valance

A former Neighbours star raised millions of dollars for Donald Trump’s re-election bid at her London home, in what organisers claim is the biggest Republican fundraiser outside the US.

Holly Valance, an Australian actress who recently gave a “substantial” donation to Nigel Farage’s Reform party, hosted the lavish event on Wednesday evening. It is thought to have raised up to $3 million.

Donald Trump Jnr spoke at the fundraiser and said afterwards that there had been “tons of enthusiasm” for his father’s campaign.

Among the 100 or so guests were Mr Farage and individuals who have been tipped for a role in a future Trump cabinet, should the Republican beat Joe Biden in November’s election.

Greg Swenson, from Republicans Overseas UK, said that donors had been galvanised by Mr Trump’s conviction in his New York “hush money” case last month.

“I think this function was much more successful post-verdict than it would have been pre-verdict,” he told The Telegraph.

“The people that would write a $100 cheque are going to write $1,000, and the people writing a $10,000 cheque are going to write $25,000.

“It’s amazing how much bigger the tickets became after the verdict. So our timing was fortunate.”

Mr Swenson suggested the fundraiser had brought in around $2 million, but added that this had not been officially confirmed.

Another individual familiar with the figure said they expected it to cross the $3 million threshold on Thursday. Both believe it is the biggest Republican fundraiser to take place outside the US.

Many of the guests were drawn from London’s conservative circles and work in finance, Mr Swenson said.

“Bankers and hedge fund and private equity people and entrepreneurs… because it’s an economic centre you tend to get people that are willing to write cheques,” he added.

Mr Trump Jnr gave a speech at the fundraiser, writing afterwards on social media: “Tons of enthusiasm from Americans across the globe to re-elect Trump.

“It’s time to send Biden to the retirement home where he belongs so we can Make America Great Again.”

Mr Farage also addressed the guests, taking time away from the general election campaign trail in Clacton to speak about the importance of the special relationship. He declined to comment on the event.

Several Conservative politicians were invited, including former prime ministers Liz Truss and Boris Johnson, but did not attend.

One attendee was impressed by Mr Trump Jnr, who delivered his speech without notes. He is increasingly seen as a power broker in the Republican party, and is one of the most prominent surrogates in his father’s campaign.

“I was blown away by him – I wasn’t expecting that,” the individual said. “I meet presidents, prime ministers, the Royal family, top businessmen, top entrepreneurs. He’s very impressive.”

Richard Grenell, tipped as a potential secretary of state under Trump, and Scott Bessent, whose name has been floated as a future Treasury secretary, were also at the event.

Mr Grenell said afterwards that Mr Trump Jnr and his girlfriend, Kimberley Guilfoyle, “brought the British house down”.

“Incredible night of fundraising in London with a record breaking $2 million haul,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “Make Europe Great Again.”

Red balloons were strewn over the lake in the grounds of Ms Valance’s home, which was decorated in the Republican colours for the event.

A bagpiper played “Scotland the Brave” in honour of Donald Trump’s Scottish roots. His mother, Mary, was from the Isle of Lewis, and he owns a golf course on Aberdeenshire’s Menie estate.