MAGA, Incorporated. It sounds like the name of a new Metallica song. It’s not. MAGA, Inc. is Trumpworld’s newest super PAC.
“Donald Trump’s top lieutenants are launching a new super PAC that is expected to spend heavily to bolster his endorsed candidates in the midterm election,” Alex Isenstadt reported for POLITICO. “And, some people close to the former president say, could become a campaign apparatus if he runs in 2024.”
Trump himself has sanctioned the new PAC, which should function as Trump’s primary method for political activity in the upcoming midterms. “The outfit is designed to funnel large sums into key races and could conceivably be used to boost Trump in the event he seeks the White House again,” Isenstadt wrote.
The New PAC
The new PAC offers clarity at a time when Trump’s political ambitions are not entirely clear – and when his involvement has been relatively subdued. “Trump has transferred little of his funding to fellow Republicans running in the midterm elections or to committees or outside groups backing GOP candidates,” Paul Steinhauser reported for FOX News. “That has led to grumbling from some Republicans that Trump is hoarding his money at the expense of the party and its candidates that are underfunded in the midterms.”
But MAGA, Inc. demonstrates concretely both that Trump plans to engage in the upcoming midterms and how he intends to do so. MAGA, Inc. should help Republicans catch up to Democrats with respect to campaign spending; Republicans have been outspent significantly, all over the country, “and party strategists have been anxious for Trump – by far the party’s biggest money magnet – to help financially,” Isenstadt reported.
Will Trump Use the PAC to Back GOP Candidates?
To date, Trump’s investment in Republican candidates has been paltry. That will change now. Many expect that Trump’s leadership PAC, Save America, which is one of the highest-funded PACs in politics with a $100 million cash reserve, will begin transferring funds to MAGA, Inc.
“Save America can transfer its fundraising dollars over to MAGA, Inc.” Steinhauser reported,” which would then distribute the funds out onto the campaign trail. “Unlike Save America, which by federal law is restricted on how much it can spend on political pursuits, the new super PAC has fewer limitations.”
Taylor Budowich, who is Trump’s current communications director, will run MAGA, Inc. “President Trump is committed to saving America, and Make America Great Again, Inc. will ensure that is achieved at the ballot box in November and beyond,” Budowich said. Joining Budowich will be Chris LaCivita, “a veteran Republican operative who in the 2020 cycle ran the biggest spending pro-Trump super PAC,” according to Steinhauser. LaCivita will serve as MAGA, Inc.’s chief strategist. Tony Fabrizio, “a longtime Trump pollster who worked on his 2016 and 2020 campaigns,” will be the PAC’s lead pollster. Meredith O’Rourke, a “veteran GOP and Trump fundraiser,” will run the PAC’s finance team. And Steven Cheung, a “Trump campaign veteran,” will handle the PAC’s communications.
MAGA, Inc. represents an expansion of Trump’s political operation. “Until now, Trump’s political operation had been staffed by a small number of close advisers,” Isenstadt reported. But that will change with MAGA, Inc.
Trump’s new PAC is expected to merge with an existing PAC, MAGA Again!, which former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi runs. “MAGA, Again! has had a relatively low profile throughout the midterms and has struggled to make an impact in races,” Isenstadt reported. MAGA, Inc. won’t likely have that problem.
The midterms are significant for Trump. His power appears to be waning slightly. He has endorsed a slew of candidates – and those candidates’ outcomes will demonstrate whether Trump is still a kingmaker or just a has-been former president. MAGA, Inc. is an effort for Trump to stay on top, as the most influential person in Republican politics.
Harrison Kass is the Senior Editor at 19FortyFive. An attorney, pilot, guitarist, and minor pro hockey player, he joined the US Air Force as a Pilot Trainee but was medically discharged. Harrison holds a BA from Lake Forest College, a JD from the University of Oregon, and an MA from New York University. He lives in Oregon and listens to Dokken. Follow him on Twitter @harrison_kass.
