Republicans Press Trump to Unleash MAGA’s $400M War Chest for Midterms

Republican lawmakers are pressing Donald Trump to deploy Maga Inc’s roughly $400 million political war chest as the party enters the final two months of a difficult fight to retain control of Congress.

The pressure is building as Trump promises an aggressive campaign push for Republican candidates ahead of the November 3 midterms.

“I will be with you 100% all the way to November,” Trump told congressional Republicans at a White House dinner on Wednesday.

But lawmakers in competitive races increasingly want that commitment backed by money, the Financial Times reported.

Pressure to Spend

Maga Inc, the Super PAC that supported Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, has amassed more money ahead of the midterms than any previous Super PAC.

Yet it has spent less than 1% of its funds on advertising this year and has not booked future ads, according to Federal Election Commission and AdImpact data.

That has unsettled Republicans facing tight races.

Ryan Mackenzie, who represents a swing district in eastern Pennsylvania, said political resources should be deployed quickly.

“I think certainly any resources that are on our side of the political aisle should be deployed sooner rather than later,” Mackenzie said.

He said he and other Republicans had “definitely expressed” their desire for financial support to Trump’s political operation.

The House has 21 seats rated as toss-ups by the non-partisan Cook Political Report. Democrats have outraised Republicans $73 million to $62 million in those contests, according to an FT review of FEC records.

Democrats need only a few seats to regain the House and four Senate seats to take control of the upper chamber.

Trump Promises Campaign Blitz

Trump told Republicans on Wednesday that the party’s battle centered on about three dozen races.

“It’s all about 35 races .... We are going to see if we can get everyone elected,” he said.

The president has also promised extensive travel during the final stretch, including a visit to Alaska for incumbent Senator Dan Sullivan and appearances for several gubernatorial candidates.

“I love the governors, but we’re interested in the Senate, and we’re interested in the House,” Trump said.

Trump has already traveled to Texas to support Senate candidate Ken Paxton and to South Carolina to campaign for Darline Graham, who won a Republican primary runoff.

Republicans Want Financial Firepower

For Republicans, however, campaign appearances are only part of the equation.

Mike Collins, a Republican running for the Senate in Georgia, said money would be critical even with Trump helping mobilize voters.

“Trains run on coal,” Collins said. “Campaigns run on gold.”

Asked whether he wanted Maga Inc’s support, he replied: “We’d love that, for sure.”

Senate Republican leader John Thune has also called for Trump’s political operation to commit resources in Texas, where Paxton is seeking a Senate seat against Democratic challenger James Talarico.

One Republican strategist warned that withholding the money could have direct electoral consequences.

“What are they waiting for,” the strategist said. “If the president doesn’t step up, the Republicans will lose Texas.”

Maga Inc Holds Back

Trump said last month that deployment of Maga Inc’s resources was largely at his discretion, although the Super Pac is legally barred from coordinating with candidates.

“I could spend it on pretty much anything I want,” Trump told Punchbowl News. “I’m going to help Republicans.”

James Blair, Trump’s political adviser, also suggested Republican candidates calling for assistance would see action, telling the FT: “They’re in luck!”

Maga Inc made its first major expenditure of the year last month, spending $800,000 on text messages and phone calls supporting Graham.

The restrained spending has become more striking as Trump’s approval ratings weaken.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll released on August 31 put his approval rating at 33%, while the Iran war and persistent inflation have added to Republican concerns over the cost of living.