Trump Withholds $403 Million War Chest Amid GOP Midterm Fears

President Donald Trump is maintaining a campaign war chest of over $403 million through the MAGA Inc. super PAC, sparking frustration among Republicans facing the upcoming midterm elections. As of late July, the organization's only major expenditure was a get-out-the-vote effort in South Carolina, though it recently funded a campaign event for Vice President JD Vance in Michigan.

Republican lawmakers and donors warn that the delay in spending is increasing advertising costs and limiting available airtime in critical markets. Senator John Kennedy specifically urged the president to deploy $100 million to $200 million to support Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is being significantly outspent by Democratic nominee James Talarico. Some critics argue the funds have been used more to attack fellow Republicans in primaries than to fight Democratic challengers.

Trump and his midterm operation lead, James Blair, insist that substantial resources will be deployed soon to ensure GOP victories. However, some strategists suggest the president may be withholding the funds to maintain political influence. While Trump intends to make the midterms a referendum on his achievements, MAGA Inc. has declined to share specific battle plans, leaving candidates to navigate rising costs and low approval ratings for the president's second term.