Trump’s first major midterm money move: A $10 million Texas Senate ad blitz
PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-09-05 15:44:00 — www.pbs.org
Trump Asserts Control Over Massive Campaign War Chest in Texas Senate Race
President Donald Trump has taken a direct and personal approach to campaign spending in the high-stakes Texas Senate race, declaring, “I’m going to spend whatever amount of money necessary to try and help us.” Trump emphasized that the funds being deployed by MAGA, Inc.—at least $400 million—are his to use as he sees fit, stating, “This is my money,” and clarifying that it is “separate” from resources controlled by the Republican National Committee.
Trump’s Spending and Political Strategy
This marks the first major general election investment by MAGA, Inc., with $10 million allocated for television and digital ads supporting Republican nominee Ken Paxton. Trump’s endorsement was pivotal in Paxton’s primary victory over incumbent Sen. John Cornyn. Despite Paxton’s public scandals, Trump has continued to back him, recently remarking, “You might not like the way he looks, you might not love his look, you might not love his television interviews, but he was the best attorney general in the country, perhaps.”
Trump also suggested he could withhold some campaign funds until the 2028 elections “if that’s what I want,” though he is constitutionally barred from seeking a third presidential term.
Fact-Checking Trump’s Record and Claims
The excerpt highlights that Trump’s key legislative achievement last year extended many of his 2017 tax breaks, but also increased budget deficits—contributing to higher interest rates on the national debt. Additionally, Trump has raised tariffs, which are taxes on imports, in an effort to boost revenue.
The current ad campaign seeks to paint Democratic candidate James Talarico as a proponent of broad tax hikes, despite Talarico’s record of supporting the largest property tax cut in Texas history and consistently voting to cut taxes for working Texans, according to his campaign.
Conclusion
Trump’s hands-on management of campaign finances and his willingness to spend heavily in Texas underscore the significance of the race and his ongoing influence over the Republican Party. His statements and actions, including the assertion of personal control over campaign funds and continued support for controversial candidates, remain central to the GOP’s strategy as the political landscape in Texas shifts. The facts presented in the excerpt reveal both Trump’s political priorities and the ongoing debate over the accuracy of claims made in high-profile campaign battles.