Trump accused of withholding funds from down-ballot GOP candidates
A conservative strategist claims Donald Trump is keeping campaign money for himself instead of supporting Republican candidates in the upcoming midterms.
Douglas Heye told Kaitlan Collins that Republican chances in November are dim, partly due to Trump’s refusal to funnel campaign dollars to lower-level candidates. Heye argued that Trump wants to retain the money for personal use, turning the primary contest into a version of "The Apprentice." Separate reporting highlights that Democratic organizations plan to spend over $134 million on state legislative battles, far exceeding the Republican State Leadership Committee’s commitment.
Although MAGA Inc. controls a $400 million fund, insiders say it is being directed toward congressional and gubernatorial contests rather than grassroots races. John Stoehr echoed a harsher view, alleging that Trump is effectively stealing the money. The situation raises concerns about the GOP’s ability to compete in down-ballot races during the midterms.
Why it matters
The funding gap could weaken Republican chances in key state and local races this election cycle.
How this story developed
- Aug 15 Trump aides say president reluctant to campaign for down-ballot Republicans
- Sep 3 Sand publicly opposed Harris’s potential 2028 presidential run.
- Sep 4 The Supreme Court ruled that the lawsuit challenging the ballroom lacks standing, allowing construction to continue.
- Sep 4 The administration filed an emergency petition with the Supreme Court.
- Sep 5 Judge extended the preliminary injunction blocking the rule.
- Sep 5 Judge Talwani issued a new order on Friday extending the injunction.
- Sep 6 President Donald Trump signed an order to change the name of Lake Ontario to "Lake America," a move that only obliges U.S. federal agencies and has limited effect elsewhere.
- Sep 6 Trump ordered a Dallas midterm convention just before Thanksgiving, triggering a ticket‑sale scramble and prompting several GOP officials to boycott the event.
- Sep 6 Administration filed a third petition to the Supreme Court seeking to overturn the injunction.
- Sep 7 The order has led to temporary updates on mapping platforms and diplomatic irritation from Canada.
- Sep 7 Trump also directed the Gulf of Mexico to be renamed “Gulf of America” and floated proposals to rename the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, while ordering alterations to the White House grounds.
- Sep 7 A new poll shows Trump’s disapproval rating is nearly double its 2018 level, threatening GOP prospects in the midterms.
- Sep 7 MAGA Inc. filed an FEC report showing a new advertising purchase for the Texas Senate contest.
- Sep 8 Networks have scaled back live coverage of the convention to prioritize NFL opening‑weekend games.
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