Donald Trump has said he plans to spend between $400 million and $500 million to help Republican candidates in the 2026 midterm elections, while warning that he may keep some of his political funds for the next presidential contest.
The president made the comments at the White House on Friday as Republicans pressed him to release money from his political operation to defend their narrow majorities in Congress.
“I’m going to spend whatever amount of money is necessary,” Mr Trump told reporters. But he also stressed: “This is my money that I control.”
His remarks came amid growing concern within the Republican Party that he has been slow to support candidates in competitive House and Senate races, despite controlling one of the largest political war chests in the country.
Federal Election Commission records show that MAGA Inc, the pro-Trump super PAC, had $403.45 million in cash at the end of July. The committee reported total disbursements of about $21 million since January 2025, including roughly $1.7 million in independent expenditure activity.
Trump says he may save funds for 2028
Mr Trump said he had “like close to a billion dollars” available for political purposes, a figure that may include money held by several parts of his political network, including the Republican National Committee and his campaign accounts.
“I’m going to be making contributions to various campaigns of people that I think are good, Republicans that I think are good,” he said.
So far, MAGA Inc’s most significant intervention in this year’s contests has been in South Carolina, where it spent nearly $830,000 supporting Senator Darline Graham during last month’s Republican primary. The money was used mainly for voter phone calls and text messages.
Republican leaders have been seeking help in more difficult contests, particularly as candidates try to hold the House and Senate against Democratic challengers. Trump’s approval ratings have added to concerns about the party’s prospects, while some Republicans in competitive states have attempted to distance themselves from the president.
The delay in spending has also limited the options available to the party. Advertising rates are higher as the 3 November election approaches, and some key television markets may already have little space left for new campaign bookings.
Mr Trump nevertheless suggested that not all of the money would be used this year.
“I expect to have money left over, and we can use that for ’28,” he said, referring to the 2028 presidential election.
