Trump’s $400 million war chest could reshape the battle for Congress

WorldPolitics
21 Jul 2026 • 5:59 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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Trump’s $400 million war chest could reshape the battle for Congress

MAGA Inc., the super PAC aligned with President Donald Trump, has built a campaign war chest of more than $400 million ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, according to new Federal Election Commission filings.

The group began the year with about $300 million and reported more than $400 million by the end of June, including a $1 million donation from NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and $10 million from billionaire twins Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, who sold bitcoin to make their contributions.

The filing showed MAGA Inc. held roughly $382 million in cash at the end of June, giving Trump and his allies a powerful financial advantage as Republicans defend narrow House and Senate majorities.

The size of the fund has fueled questions about how much Trump's political operation will spend on key Senate races. Republican leaders have publicly and privately urged Trump's team to back candidates he has endorsed.

One of the biggest tests is in Texas, where Trump endorsed Attorney General Ken Paxton over Sen. John Cornyn in the Republican primary. Some GOP strategists believe the race has become far more competitive, potentially forcing Republicans to spend tens of millions of dollars defending a seat that had once been considered safe.

North Carolina is another top target after Sen. Thom Tillis declined to seek reelection. Trump endorsed former Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley, while Democrats are backing former Gov. Roy Cooper in what is expected to be one of the country's most expensive Senate contests.

One of the biggest tests is in Texas, where Trump endorsed Attorney General Ken Paxton over Sen. John Cornyn in the Republican primary (Reuters)

As a super PAC, MAGA Inc. can raise unlimited sums from individuals and corporations but cannot legally coordinate its spending with candidates or party committees.

"The president is going to expend substantial resources to win the midterms," James Blair, Trump's former White House political director and now a coordinator of his midterm efforts, said in an interview. "He cares deeply about the party winning."

Republicans are also weighing the cost of defending the Texas seat after Cornyn's defeat. GOP strategists estimate the race could require about $100 million, while the Senate Leadership Fund has already committed roughly $342 million across several battleground states, including Alaska, Maine, North Carolina and Ohio.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, (R-S.D.) speaks to reporters before entering the Senate Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on July 20, 2026 (Getty)

Senate Majority Leader John Thune has said he hopes Trump will devote resources to the Texas race.

"We will do what we need to do to make sure the state stays red," Thune told reporters. "But I'm certainly hopeful the president and the resources he can bring to bear will be engaged. It's going to be an expensive race."

Trump heads into the midterm campaign with Republicans holding narrow congressional majorities as his approval ratings have faced pressure from high energy prices.

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