‘It’s more than any president has ever spent’: Trump’s groups spent nearly $277 million on the midterms—and he still has $164 million left to spend

President Donald Trump's political groups have spent a staggering $277 million on midterm elections, setting a new record for a sitting president. This unprecedented level of spending came as Republicans struggled to maintain their slim majorities in the House and Senate. The bulk of these funds went to MAGA Inc., the president's super PAC, which reported spending nearly $277 million since the start of September.

This sum included $200 million to No Going Back PAC Inc. and $25 million to Safety & Affordability PAC Inc., both affiliated groups that heavily invested in advertising efforts. Republican strategist Corry Bliss noted that this spending level has never been seen before by any president during midterm elections. Despite the high expenditure, Trump's groups still have $164 million remaining, which they could potentially use in the final stretch of the election.

However, their late start in advertising has made their spending power less effective, as they are now paying premium rates for ad slots. The financial advantage Republicans enjoyed this year, bolstered by billionaire supporters including Elon Musk, has been critical. MAGA Inc. began September with nearly $416 million, and has continued to raise significant funds from donors such as Diane Hendricks, Stephen A. Schwarzman, and Steve Wynn.

While the outcome remains uncertain, Trump pledged to spend "over 400 million dollars by Election Day," ensuring further investment in the election.