‘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 more than one-quarter of a billion dollars to bolster Republicans in the final stretch of this year’s midterm elections , an unprecedented amount for a sitting president that underscores the stakes on Nov.

3.

In total, Trump’s flagship super PAC, MAGA Inc., has reported spending nearly $277 million since the beginning of September, according to new federal campaign finance filings.

That includes major transfers to two affiliated groups that have been spending millions on advertising : $200 million to No Going Back PAC Inc. and $25 million to Safety & Affordability PAC Inc.

“It’s more than any president has ever spent, by far, on the midterms,” said Corry Bliss, a GOP Senate and House campaign strategist who was the executive director of the Congressional Leadership Fund, House Republicans’ super PAC in the 2018 campaign.

Trump had been under intense pressure to help Republican candidates as his party struggles to hold onto its slim majorities in the House and Senate.

While the party in power almost always loses seats in midterm elections, Republicans are facing an especially challenging climb after Trump helped defeat several of the party’s longtime incumbents and as he has been mired in low approval ratings amid deep voter frustration over persistently high costs and the unpopular war with Iran.

One bright spot for Republicans has been their huge financial advantage over Democrats this election cycle, aided by billionaires such as Elon Musk .

Trump-affiliated groups are now on track to spend potentially more.

So far, the three that have to report their donors have spent more than $256 million on advertising, according to AdImpact, which tracks media spending and reservations.

That includes tens of millions of dollars in Texas to help embattled Senate candidate Ken Paxton in his race against Democrat James Talarico.

Musk has also invested heavily in Texas, leading Talarico to accuse him of trying to buy the seat.

MAGA Inc. had more than $164 million cash left in the bank as of Oct.

14, meaning it still has plenty left to spend.