Trump’s PAC is spending a lot on legal fees, while DeSantis’ PAC has almost $100 million.

Trump's PAC is spending a lot on legal fees, while DeSantis' PAC has almost $100 million.

Trump’s PAC Spends Millions on Legal Fees, While DeSantis Gains Momentum with $100 Million

Former President Donald Trump’s political action committee, Save America, has found itself in a precarious position financially. Despite spending a staggering $21 million on legal fees this year, the PAC currently has less than $4 million in cash on hand. Meanwhile, Trump’s potential Republican rival, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, has managed to amass close to $100 million in his PAC, Never Back Down. These figures, disclosed in recent FEC filings, highlight the stark contrast in financial resources between the two contenders.

The financial strain on Trump’s PAC stems from its involvement in multiple high-stakes legal cases. Trump himself is facing allegations of hush-money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels, mishandling of classified documents, and potential obstruction of justice related to the Mar-A-Lago security camera footage. As a result, Save America has spent a significant portion of its funds on legal fees, not just for Trump but also for his advisers who have needed legal representation.

In addition to Save America, Trump also benefits from the backing of his super PAC, MAGA Inc, which reported having $30.8 million in cash on hand at the end of June. His campaign also holds $22.5 million in the bank. However, even when combining the financial resources of his campaign, PAC, and super PAC, they still fall far short of the substantial funds reported by DeSantis’ super PAC, Never Back Down, which boasts $96.8 million in cash reserves as of June.

Despite the financial advantage, the road ahead appears challenging for DeSantis’ presidential campaign. Recent polling conducted by the New York Times shows that DeSantis trails behind Trump by a significant 37 percentage points. The majority of likely GOP voters expressed a preference for a candidate dedicated to combating “woke” ideology, which may be working in Trump’s favor. Moreover, in a recent strategic move, DeSantis decided to lay off nearly a dozen staffers and is planning to reboot his campaign, indicating a need for fresh momentum.

The financial status of the two Republican contenders serves as a reflection of their respective positions in the race. While Trump’s legal battles have strained his PAC’s finances, DeSantis has managed to secure a considerable financial war chest. However, the challenge for DeSantis lies in bridging the significant gap in voter support, as highlighted by the poll results. As the race unfolds, the financial resources amassed by both candidates will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping their campaigns and overall prospects moving forward.

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In conclusion, the stark contrast between Trump’s PAC, Save America, and DeSantis’ PAC, Never Back Down, in terms of financial strength paints an intriguing picture of the Republican primary race. Despite Trump’s financial challenges resulting from legal battles, he still holds considerable amounts in his campaign, PAC, and super PAC. Meanwhile, DeSantis faces an uphill battle in both financial resources and voter support. The dynamic between these two contenders will continue to unfold as they vie for the Republican nomination in the 2024 presidential election.

• 2024 election
• Donald Trump
• Ron DeSantis