With the midterm elections just over two months away, frustration is mounting among Republican officials over former President Donald Trump’s continued reluctance to deploy the substantial campaign funds he has raised. Despite holding a war chest exceeding $400 million, the political action committee MAGA Inc. has spent very little, prompting concerns about the party’s ability to hold onto control of Congress amid several competitive races.
On Monday in Michigan, MAGA Inc. made a rare financial contribution by backing Vice President JD Vance’s campaign event, marking one of the few instances this year that the pro-Trump organization has actively invested in battleground states. The group’s minimal spending contrasts with the urgent demands of Republicans seeking to counteract demographic shifts and political headwinds—some partly attributed to Trump’s enduring low approval ratings and public skepticism over his handling of the economy and foreign conflicts, including the war in Iran.
Texas has emerged as a particularly pressing challenge for Republicans. After Trump backed state Attorney General Ken Paxton in the Senate primary, Paxton narrowly prevailed over incumbent John Cornyn, transforming what was expected to be a secure Republican seat into a competitive contest. Democratic challenger James Talarico has significantly outraised Paxton, amassing more than $68.5 million compared to Paxton’s $9 million, with a cash-on-hand advantage exceeding $19 million. Republican Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana has voiced hope that Trump will soon invest tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars to bolster Paxton’s campaign, but such a commitment has yet to materialize.
MAGA Inc.’s July filings revealed a balance exceeding $403 million, with more funds raised in the following weeks but virtually no major outlays. Aside from an $830,000 effort in South Carolina aimed at supporting Senator Darline Graham’s primary run, the group has largely refrained from significant spending. However, Trump has remained active in fundraising events and political gatherings, including a Republican National Committee fundraiser in Texas and meetings at his Virginia golf course.
Plans to ramp up campaign activity are reportedly underway, with MAGA Inc. intending to focus on competitive races through a combination of advertising and grassroots voter outreach. While television ad buys traditionally dominate such efforts, the group has thus far limited its ad testing to digital channels in Texas, with no confirmed television airtime. Voter contact strategies such as canvassing, phone banking, and direct mail targeted at low-turnout, pro-Trump voters are also being discussed as a means to compensate for the late timing.
The delay in spending has strategic implications. Advertising costs have escalated since spring, narrowing options for impactful media presence. Some Republican operatives warn it may already be too late to secure beneficial ad placements in key markets, particularly in Texas, where Senate Republican leaders have explicitly requested MAGA Inc.’s help.
Despite the frustrations, Trump and his team maintain that funds will be deployed imminently. Former White House deputy chief of staff James Blair, who now leads Trump’s midterm operation, has publicly affirmed planned substantial expenditures. At the same time, Trump appears motivated to retain much of the financial resources to sustain his influence within the Republican Party following his presidency. By keeping a large financial reserve, he could continue to shape political dynamics and endorse candidates aligned with his agenda in future election cycles.
As Trump recently remarked, he intends to support Republican candidates but also reserves the flexibility to spend the accumulated funds as he sees fit. With time running short, the party’s prospects in several tight races may hinge on when and how these resources are finally mobilized.