Trump Amasses $1.5B Political War Chest Ahead of Midterms

Former president's massive fundraising could reshape Republican politics for years to come

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Former President Donald Trump has boasted of building a political war chest exceeding $1.5 billion, a staggering sum that he can wield to shape November's midterm elections and the 2028 race to succeed him. The stockpile, which dwarfs any amounts raised by his predecessors, represents a mountain of cash that could reshape Republican politics for years to come - if Trump chooses to spend it.

Why it matters

Trump's massive fundraising gives him unprecedented influence heading into the midterm elections, as he could use the funds to support or oppose Republican candidates. This could have major implications for the GOP's congressional agenda, as Trump has threatened political consequences for Republicans who defy his policies.

The details

Trump's $1.5 billion war chest is roughly equal to what he and outside groups spent on his successful 2024 reelection bid. In comparison, the various super PACs, political groups and nonprofits supporting President Joe Biden raised only about $97 million during his first year in office. Much of Trump's political cash comes from the MAGA Inc. super PAC, which raised over $100 million in the last six months of 2025. There's also a constellation of pro-Trump nonprofits that are only required to release limited financial information, making it difficult to track where the money is being spent.

  • Trump announced his $1.5 billion fundraising haul on social media since Election Day 2024.
  • The MAGA Inc. super PAC raised over $100 million in the last six months of 2025.

The players

Donald Trump

Former President of the United States who has amassed a $1.5 billion political war chest.

Joe Biden

Current President of the United States, whose various political groups and the Democratic National Committee raised only about $97 million during his first year in office.

MAGA Inc.

A pro-Trump super PAC that raised over $100 million in the last six months of 2025 and is a major source of Trump's political funds.

Republican National Committee

The Republican Party's national committee, which reported raising $172 million in 2025.

Campaign Legal Center

A Washington nonprofit that tracks political spending and campaign finance reform.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“One of the main reasons a lame-duck president might want to amass this much money is to maintain political relevance. Certainly he's been far more aggressive about this than any of his predecessors.”

— Daniel Weiner, Former Federal Election Commission attorney and current director of the Brennan Center's Elections and Government Program

“Because there are virtually no restrictions on what super PAC money can be used for, it essentially can be operated as a slush fund at the disposal of whoever controls it.”

— Daniel Weiner, Former Federal Election Commission attorney and current director of the Brennan Center's Elections and Government Program

“Each of these wealthy individuals, corporations, they are ponying up for a purpose. What we're seeing with Trump's administration is just an unprecedented level of pay-to-play.”

— Saurav Ghosh, Federal campaign finance reform director at the Campaign Legal Center

What’s next

Trump has vowed political consequences for Republicans opposing his tariff policies, and could spend big to hurt them in GOP primaries. Chief among his targets is Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie, who opposed Trump's tax and spend package and defied the White House in helping force the release of federal files on Jeffrey Epstein.

The takeaway

Trump's massive $1.5 billion political war chest gives him unprecedented influence and the ability to reshape the Republican party for years to come. However, the extent to which he will actually open his pocketbook to support or oppose specific candidates remains to be seen, as he has a history of not spending big on races where he isn't running.