Former President Donald Trump’s political operation is facing financial challenges as his legal troubles continue to mount, according to recent filings. While his joint fundraising committee raised over $53 million in the first half of the year, the committees associated with his 2024 White House bid have spent even more. In fact, Trump’s leadership PAC, Save America, used more than 70% of its total disbursements, amounting to around $21 million, to pay for legal bills for Trump and his associates. This has significantly depleted the PAC’s reserves, leaving it with just over $3.6 million at the start of July, down from nearly $18.3 million at the beginning of the year.
The financial strain caused by multiple investigations into Trump’s activities has become increasingly apparent, with reports that Save America asked an aligned super PAC supporting Trump’s presidential bid to return $60 million to the leadership PAC. The super PAC, known as Make America Great Again, Inc., has already returned nearly $12.3 million in multiple installments. However, it is unclear whether the super PAC has sent back more money to the leadership PAC since June.
During the first half of this year, Save America paid over three dozen law firms, indicating the extent of Trump’s legal challenges. This situation has prompted Trump allies to launch a legal defense fund to cover the bills of current and former aides and employees involved in these investigations.
Notably, Trump’s legal troubles have not dampened his popularity among Republican voters, as he consistently leads the field in polling. Despite this, his financial struggles raise questions about his ability to sustain a viable political operation amidst mounting legal expenses.
Trump’s leadership PAC has historically provided significant funding to MAGA Inc., which is one of the largest advertisers in the Republican race. However, due to his financial crunch, funds are now being clawed back. The top donors to MAGA Inc. in the first half of this year included Patricia Duggan, a Florida entrepreneur who contributed $5 million, Phil Ruffin, a longtime Trump friend and casino owner who gave $2 million, and Charles Kushner, the father of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, who donated $1 million.
In addition to his campaign’s financial challenges, Trump is facing a range of legal issues. He was indicted by a Manhattan grand jury on over 30 counts related to business fraud earlier this year. He also faces potential charges in the special counsel’s grand jury investigation into the events leading up to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, as well as an investigation by the Fulton County district attorney’s office in Georgia regarding attempts to overturn the state’s 2020 presidential election result.
Despite these legal challenges, Trump remains determined to win the 2024 presidential race. During a recent rally in Pennsylvania, he hinted at the possibility of using some of his own fortune to finance his campaign if necessary.
It is clear that Trump’s mounting legal bills have put a strain on his political operation’s finances. While he continues to receive significant support from donors, the high rate of spending raises questions about the sustainability of his campaign. As he navigates his legal challenges, Trump faces the dilemma of balancing his political aspirations with the mounting legal costs associated with his past and present activities.
