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Trump says he has $850M to spend on favored GOP candidates

US President Donald Trump points as he arrives to speak during a campaign rally for US Senator Darline Graham at Myrtle Beach Convention Center in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on August 21, 2026. (AFP Photo)
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US President Donald Trump points as he arrives to speak during a campaign rally for US Senator Darline Graham at Myrtle Beach Convention Center in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on August 21, 2026. (AFP Photo)
August 22, 2026 10:07 AM GMT+03:00

U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday that his political operation has about $850 million available and that he plans to spend “a lot of that money” to support Republican candidates he favors in the 2026 midterm elections.

“Well, I’ve raised a lot, and nobody knows what it is, but I will tell you, it’s about $850 million,” Trump told reporters.

“I’ll be spending a lot of that money for candidates that I think are good, Republican candidates that I think are good,” he said.

Trump added that the $850 million was separate from other money raised by his political network.

“So, when you add the 850 million to all of the other money that we’ve raised, we’re in very good shape,” he said.

US President Donald Trump congratulates US Senator Darline Graham after she spoke during a campaign rally at Myrtle Beach Convention Center in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on August 21, 2026. (AFP Photo)
US President Donald Trump congratulates US Senator Darline Graham after she spoke during a campaign rally at Myrtle Beach Convention Center in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on August 21, 2026. (AFP Photo)

Poll shows voters worried about finances

Trump’s comments came as most U.S. voters say their finances have worsened since he returned to the White House, with less than three months to go before the November midterm elections, according to a Financial Times poll.

The Focaldata poll found that 53% of registered voters felt worse off under Trump, including nearly 57% of independents and almost one-quarter of Republicans.

Nearly two-thirds of voters said the U.S. economy was moving in the wrong direction, while 25% said it was heading in the right direction.

Voters also gave Democrats an advantage over Republicans on inflation and the cost of living, as well as jobs and the economy.

US President Donald Trump arrives to speak during a campaign rally for US Senator Darline Graham at Myrtle Beach Convention Center in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on August 21, 2026. (AFP Photo)
US President Donald Trump arrives to speak during a campaign rally for US Senator Darline Graham at Myrtle Beach Convention Center in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on August 21, 2026. (AFP Photo)

Trump’s approval rating on inflation and living costs was particularly weak, with 64% disapproving, including nearly seven in 10 independents and about one-third of Republicans.

Overall, 55% disapproved of Trump’s performance, while his net approval among Republicans fell 8 percentage points from the previous month.

Democrats led Republicans 44% to 39% when voters were asked which party they were likely to support in November.

Polls have indicated that Democrats are positioned to regain control of the House, while taking the Senate remains more difficult.

White House defends Trump record

The findings come as inflation, high prices and declining consumer sentiment weigh on Americans.

Inflation stood at 3.4% in July, while government data showed real wages declined last month.

White House spokesperson Kush Desai defended Trump’s record.

“The Trump administration continues to deliver on the President’s affordability agenda by lowering drug prices, reshoring American jobs, and cutting taxes while simultaneously touting a historic drop in violent crime nationwide and the most secure border in history,” Desai said.

The online poll was conducted by London-based, nonpartisan Focaldata from Aug. 7 to 10 among 1,913 registered voters, with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.9 percentage points.

August 22, 2026 10:07 AM GMT+03:00
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