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PoliticsTrump says he will spend up to $500 million from MAGA Inc. PAC to help Republicans in midterms
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President Donald Trump announced on September 4, 2026, that he plans to allocate $400 million to $500 million from his political action committee, MAGA Inc., to support Republican candidates in the upcoming November midterm elections. Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump claimed he has 'close to a billion dollars' in the super PAC, though FEC filings show MAGA Inc. had approximately $403.5 million in cash on hand as of July 31. The pledge comes amid growing concern among GOP officials and strategists that the PAC's massive war chest had remained largely on the sidelines, with only about $21 million spent since the start of 2025. Trump said he would personally decide where to direct support, focusing on competitive races. The money is not Trump's personal funds but comes from the hybrid PAC's non-contribution account, which can accept unlimited donations for independent expenditures. Trump also indicated leftover funds could be used in 2028. The announcement follows his stated plans to increase campaign travel, including a trip to Alaska to support Senator Dan Sullivan.
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U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during an executive order signing in the Oval Office of the White House on September 4, 2026 in Washington, DC. Andrew Harnik | Getty Images News | Getty Images
President Donald Trump said Friday that he plans to spend as much as $500 million from his political operation to help Republicans with roughly two months remaining before the November midterm elections.
"I think I have like close to a billion dollars in the super PAC, and I'm allocating probably four or $500 million," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. "We're going to spend a lot of money because we don't want to lose our country."
Key Facts
- Spending pledge: Trump said he plans to allocate $400 million to $500 million from his political operation to support Republican candidates.
- MAGA Inc. cash on hand: The super PAC reported approximately $403.5 million as of July 31, according to its latest Federal Election Commission filing — far below Trump's claim of "close to a billion dollars."
- Spending to date: MAGA Inc. has spent sparingly, about $21 million since the start of 2025, including $1.7 million on independent expenditures.
- Battleground activity: The group has begun some activity in key states, including paying for an event headlined by Vice President JD Vance in Michigan this week, but has yet to deploy anything close to the amount Trump outlined.
Context
Republicans in competitive House and Senate races had been waiting for MAGA Inc. to ramp up spending. Some GOP officials and strategists reportedly grew concerned that the group's massive war chest would remain on the sidelines.
Despite the gap between Trump's stated figure and the PAC's reported cash reserves, MAGA Inc.'s funding is larger than the cash reserves of any major party committee, according to the Associated Press.
Trump's Role in Allocating Funds
Moving into November, Trump said he would personally weigh where to direct support, including toward Republican candidates he believes can win competitive races.
"I'm going to spend whatever amount of money necessary to try and help us," Trump said. "This is my money that I control."
Clarification on Funding Source
The money is not Trump's personal money. The FEC lists MAGA Inc. as an "unauthorized" hybrid PAC, meaning it does not solicit donations on behalf of a specific candidate. Its "non-contribution account" can accept unlimited donations and finance independent spending supporting or opposing candidates, but those funds cannot be contributed directly to candidates.
Future Use of Funds
Trump also said he expects money to remain after November and could use it in 2028. Federal rules do not require MAGA Inc. to spend down its balance this cycle, allowing the group to retain funds for political activity in future elections or other authorized uses.
Campaign Plans
Friday's spending pledge builds on Trump's stated plans to become more involved in the closing stretch of the midterms. He said Wednesday that he would make "a lot of stops" campaigning for Republican House and Senate candidates and pledged to travel to Alaska to support Sen. Dan Sullivan.
"I'm going to help a lot of the congressmen and senators that need help," Trump said Friday.
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Trump pledges up to $500 million from his PAC to aid Republicans in 2026 midterms