Pro-Trump Billionaire Holds Back Senate Donations Over Failure To Pass SAVE America Act

Republican megadonor Timothy Mellon is withholding donations from Senate Republicans after the chamber failed to pass the SAVE America Act, according to The New York Times.

Mellon, 84, reportedly responded to a fundraising solicitation letter by saying his pockets were closed. The billionaire previously gave $30 million to the Senate Leadership Fund, the super PAC that backs Republican Senate candidates, in 2020.

Allies of Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) have tried since last year to arrange a meeting between the two men, but it never happened, according to the report.

Mellon’s decision leaves Senate Republicans without a major past benefactor as they fight to hold their majority in November, even as Mellon continues giving to other Republican groups.

Mellon has made about $3.1 million in publicly disclosed contributions this cycle, according to the Times. The outlet also reported that he gave $20 million to the Congressional Leadership Fund, which backs House Republicans, in August, a donation not yet reflected in federal filings.

Republican National Committee Chairman Joe Gruters nevertheless projected confidence in the party’s prospects during a Wednesday interview with NewsNation.

“I would say, ‘Bet on us,’” Gruters said. “If you look at what we’ve done over the last two years, we have better candidates across the country in both the Senate and the House races, we have a lot more resources to spend.”

Gruters also pointed to President Donald Trump’s planned involvement in the campaign.

“And then we have our secret weapon and president, Donald J. Trump, and I say that because we’re going to barnstorm the country. We’re going to do lots of rallies … and we’re going to deliver for the American people.” 

Republicans hold a substantial cash advantage at the national party level. The RNC had $130 million on hand as of the end of July, compared with $16 million for the Democratic National Committee. The National Republican Senatorial Committee had $56 million, compared with $40 million for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.

Democrats worry Republican spending could hurt their chances of winning control of Congress. A North Carolina Democratic strategist told Politico in July that being heavily outspent could offset an otherwise favorable political environment.

“What is putting the House majority and the Senate majority, nationally, in danger is the Republicans’ massive stockpile of resources that they’re putting together to push back,” the strategist said.

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