The leadership super PAC Donald Trump’s team has primarily used to cover his legal expenses is facing financial challenges after spending tens of millions of dollars in recent months. Save America, the super PAC, spent nearly $3.6 million on legal consulting in March and currently has just under $4.1 million in cash on hand, according to Federal Election Commission filings. The cash flow of Save America has been supported by another Trump-supporting PAC, Make America Great Again Inc., which transferred $5 million to Save America in March.
MAGA Inc. has been issuing Save America $5 million refunds every month since July, resulting in a situation where MAGA Inc. has less than $3 million to return by the end of March. This complicated financial situation raises questions about how Save America will continue to fund Trump’s various legal defenses. The potential campaign finance troubles facing Trump come as opening statements were taking place in the “hush money” case against him in Manhattan, where his required attendance in court has kept him off the campaign trail.
The Republican National Committee has stated that Trump’s campaign has not requested the national GOP to cover any of the former president’s legal expenses up to now. Lara Trump, RNC co-chair, mentioned that individuals can opt out of contributing money towards Trump’s legal bills if they do not wish to do so. In a possible sign of financial strain, Trump’s top advisers recently sent out a letter requesting a 5% contribution from down-ballot candidates who use the ex-president’s name and likeness.
Despite the financial challenges, Trump’s campaign has kept a tight rein on expenses. In March, the campaign committee spent only $3.7 million, which is significantly less than the $11.4 million spent in January. The Trump campaign had just over $45 million in cash on hand as of March 31, a figure that will likely increase following a $50.5 million fundraiser held in April. Trump’s campaign believes it will have enough funds to challenge and defeat Biden in the upcoming election.
In comparison, President Biden’s campaign is experiencing a surge in fundraising, bringing in over $90 million in March. This was boosted by a fundraiser at Radio City Music Hall with Biden, Barack Obama, and Bill Clinton. The Democratic campaign now has a historic $192 million in cash on hand. In March, Biden’s campaign spent more than $29 million on expenses. While Trump’s campaign may not reach Biden’s level of funding, they still believe they will have adequate funds to compete against the incumbent in the upcoming election.
The financial challenges facing the leadership super PAC Save America, used by Trump to cover his legal expenses, and the financial constraints of his campaign raise questions about how Trump will continue to finance his legal defenses and campaign activities. Despite the limited cash flow, Trump remains confident that he will have enough funds to challenge and defeat Biden in the upcoming election. The stark contrast between the fundraising and expenses of Trump and Biden’s campaigns highlights the importance of fundraising efforts in shaping the narrative and outcome of the election.
