# Trump and Bloomberg's Midterm Spending Clash > Trump pledges $400M for GOP, Bloomberg drops $80M for Democrats ahead of November 3 midterms. - Title: Trump and Bloomberg's Midterm Spending Clash · Newsweek - Summary: Trump pledges $400M for GOP, Bloomberg drops $80M for Democrats ahead of November 3 midterms. Trump claims $400 million spent on Republican campaigns… - Keywords: trump, bloomberg, gop, democrats, midterms, 2026, election, campaign, spending, house, senate, voter outreach - Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/trump-400m-gop-midterms-bloomberg-80m-democrats-12596027 - Published: 2026-10-20T18:36:24+00:00 - Read time: 1 min - Topics: trump, bloomberg, gop, democrats, midterms, 2026, election, campaign, spending, house, senate, voter outreach ## Trump's $400M Spending Claim Trump says he spent or plans to spend more than $400 million to boost Republican candidates ahead of November 3 midterms. > President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he has spent, or plans to spend, more than $400 million to boost Republican candidates ahead of the November 3 midterm elections ## Bloomberg's $80M Democratic Investment Bloomberg directs roughly $80 million toward Democratic candidates and allied groups in September and October. > Hours before Trump's announcement, Bloomberg's team disclosed that the billionaire philanthropist and former New York City mayor directed about $80 million to Democratic causes in September and October ## Spending Impact on House Races Bloomberg focuses $50 million on House races, including $24 million for gun safety and $16 million for House Majority PAC. > Much of the money is going to House races, where Democrats see their best chance to gain power ## Trump's Spending Strategy Trump links spending to Republican victories and his political agenda, emphasizing election integrity and voter mobilization. > Because of my belief in the Republican Party, and all of our Policies and Principles, and especially after witnessing what is taking place in France, and other locations throughout Europe, I am pleased to announce that, having to do with the Most Important Midterm Elections in our Country’s History, I have spent, or will be spending, over 400 Million Dollars by Election Day ## Election Spending Surge Republicans spent or reserved $2.2 billion on ads since September 1, while Democrats spent about $1.8 billion. > According to advertising data cited by the Associated Press, Republicans have spent or reserved roughly $2.2 billion on ads since September 1, while Democrats have spent about $1.8 billion ## Outside Groups' Role Independent groups spent over $1.2 billion in competitive congressional contests, driving most ad spending in 70% of races. > A Washington Post analysis of AdImpact data found that independent groups have spent more than $1.2 billion in competitive congressional contests alone ## Trump's Polling Challenges 31% of respondents approve of Trump's job performance, 66% disapprove, giving him a net rating of -35 percentage points. > A Reuters/Ipsos survey conducted October 16-19 found that 31 percent of respondents approved of Trump's job performance while 66 percent disapproved, giving him a net rating of -35 percentage points ## Bloomberg's Strategic Focus Bloomberg targets House races and Democratic gubernatorial candidates in battleground states with $8 million. > Bloomberg's advisers said at least $50 million is going to House contests, including $24 million for Everytown for Gun Safety, the gun-control advocacy organization he helped create, and $16 million for House Majority PAC ## Expert Analysis Costas Panagopoulos says massive spending could signal Republican vulnerability and affect voter perceptions. > In some ways, lavish spending can be counterproductive because it implies vulnerability ## Election Impact Democrats aim to flip House control with Bloomberg's support, while Republicans defend Senate seats. > House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York credited Bloomberg with playing a significant role in the Democrats' successful 2.018 midterm performance ## Key takeaway Trump claims $400 million spent on Republican campaigns, Bloomberg directs $80 million to Democrats for 2026 midterms.