Donald Trump is reportedly planning to use his massive war chest to protect the Republican Party's slim congressional majorities – as well as keep GOP office holders in line.
The president has promised Republican lawmakers that he'll share what he boasts is more than half a billion dollars in campaign cash for next year's midterm cycle, according to a White House official with knowledge of the conversations, but Trump hasn't ruled out intervening in primaries to punish Republicans he deems to be insufficiently loyal, reported CNN.
“Will (Trump’s money) be for primaries or generals?" said that White House official. "That’ll be up for them to decide."
ALSO READ: 'Gotta be kidding': Jim Jordan scrambles as he's confronted over Musk 'double standard'
Trump advisers have privately communicated to congressional campaign committees that an endorsement comes under two conditions – the candidate must demonstrate unwavering loyalty and show they're viable in a general election – that suggest he's willing to endorse candidates who aren't the GOP's preferred choice.
“If you don’t want to put yourselves in a bad spot, put us in a good spot,” the official said. “Do us all a favor so we can all work together. Be smart. Don’t waste everyone’s time.”
It remains to be seen how Trump and his team will evaluate loyalty, but some GOP operatives have directly informed the president's team that swing-state Republicans will need some breathing room to remain competitive, according to sources familiar with the discussions, and he also intends to play an active role in gubernatorial primaries.
“I gotta spend it somewhere,” Trump told Republican governors last week, “and they tell me I’m not allowed to run.”
Trump told GOP governors that “raised $608 million in three weeks,” although that can't be verified until fundraising reports are filed, and it's not clear whether that money was collected through his presidential transition or inaugural committee, but he has also converted his 2024 presidential campaign committee into the leadership PAC Never Surrender, Inc.
“If I can’t spend it on me,” Trump told the GOP governors, “I guess it means I’m going to be spending it on some of my friends.”
