By Jason Lange and Alexandra Ulmer

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – The Save America organization of former President Donald Trump has rapidly risen to the top of Republican fundraising groups ahead of Nov. 8, congressional elections.

According to a Reuters analysis, financial disclosures to the Federal Election Commission have shown that the Republican Party has so far been more conservative in its expenditures on winning the November election than other groups.

Trump is known for his inordinate support of Republican candidates. However, the Reuters analysis has shown a stark contrast between spending and giving.

Trump established Save America in November 2020. It has raised $124,000,000, making it the biggest war chest of any former president. But, Save America spent just $14 million (or around 11%). Most of the money went to advertising and rallies that promoted Republicans in Congress. But they focus on Trump.

FEC filings indicate that his party’s main funding source for Senate candidates only spent around 80% of its $135m in funds since the beginning of 2021. While the main fund it used to support House of Representatives candidate candidates, spent over half of the $162m it raised.

Campaign finance experts have raised concerns about Save America’s restricted spending. Political observers believe it could indicate that Obama is saving money for his presidential bid.

    Taylor Budowich, the director of communications for both Save America and Trump, said the former president was supporting candidates through direct contributions, rallies, and joint fundraisers.

   “Save America will not be telegraphing specific tactics or expenditures through the press,” Budowich said in a statement to Reuters. Every dollar raised will be used to ensure President Trump’s America First Agenda is promoted through his endorsed candidates.

Trump created Save America, a political action committee or leadership PAC. It cannot spend money on elections of Trump’s opponents, but campaign finance specialists said that there could be ways to tap into the PAC’s war chest if Trump wants another chance at the White House.

Trump hasn’t announced his candidacy to be president in 2024. He would need to create a separate fundraising account. But he often suggests to his supporters that he will run.

ODD SPENDING PATTERN

Trump may increase his spending in support of his Republican Party which hopes to take control of Congress. It’s still early in this election cycle.

According to Michael Beckel (research director, Issue One), a nonpartisan organization that promotes reform in campaign finance, this is because leadership PACs spend a lot on candidates at this time of year.

Beckel stated that it was unusual for someone to have such a huge political war chest within their leadership PAC, and then not spend very much on elections.

Justin Sayfie from Ballard Partners (a Florida-based lobbying company with connections to Trump) said that it would be smart to wait to spend now to allow Trump to have a greater impact close to the election.

Sayfie said, “I would decide which 30 seats represent the most lucrative pickup opportunities for Republicans after the primaries.” And then I’d put my entire money into these races, from August through Election Day.”

HOTELS AND CONSULTING

Trump’s largest outlays were to finance his rallies. This is what many observers view as preparation for 2024. He connects with the crowds and collects data on attendees.

According to financial disclosures from FEC filed before the March 20 deadline, Save America spent over $3 million for events in February.

Save America has also spent close to $2,000,000 on services consulting, nearly $300,000.00 in ads, and approximately $200,000 to support Republican candidates for Congress. Trump Hotels have spent $170,000 on Save America’s lodging and meals, as well as the rental of hotel facilities.

While the Republican Party’s primary congressional funds provided $300,000 for congressional candidates, it spent an enormous amount on other expenses, such as more than $20 million in ads, more than $25,000,000 on text messaging, access to voter lists, and more than $25,000,000 on advertising.

“TWO WORDS”

Trump uses his rallies as a way to get supporters to vote Republican congressional candidates, but their main focus is on Trump.

Trump spoke at an airport in South Carolina on March 12th, but was interrupted by Russell Fry. Fry had been endorsed to challenge Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Rice.

Trump stated, “Why don’t you just speak two words? We’ll get the hell outside because it’s freezing!”

Fry left the room after a brief introduction. Trump then continued his description of how his agenda would transform America following the next presidential election. He said, “In 2024, we will take back the beautiful White House.” “I wonder who’ll do that. I wonder, I wonder.”

The Federal Election Commission received a complaint from a Democratic group that Save America spent on rallies to accuse it of presidential campaigning. This is a violation election law.

According to Beckel, and other campaign finance specialists, Trump is not likely to be stopped by the FEC, even if Trump announces his presidential candidacy and attempts to funnel Save America money towards his campaign.

FEC’s leadership has split equally between Republicans, Democrats and commissioners who are aligned with Republicans. This means that the FEC is stuck on many contentious matters in recent years.

Ann Ravel (a Democrat) said, “It is a free for everyone.” She was a FEC commissioner from 2013 through 2017.

Budowich, a Trump spokesperson said that complaints made by Democrats are “frivolous”, and have “zero merit.”

Ravel and other experts suggested that Trump might use Save America funds to fund his presidential campaign. Trump might also be able to transfer Save America money to an allied organization.