Trump’s private business empire cashes in on GOP loyalty: report

President Donald Trump, who has made billions since returning to the White House, is also collecting nearly $3 million from Republican campaign funds through his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, according to a new report.

The Washington Postreported that between January 2025 and September 2026, Republican congressional campaign groups spent $2.9 million at Trump-owned properties. The payments covered fundraising events, hotel rooms, meals and other expenses, continuing the controversial financial relationship between the president's businesses and his political allies.

Republican spending at Mar-a-Lago has more than tripled after adjusting for inflation, compared with the same period during Trump's first presidency.

Overall spending at Trump properties was slightly below the inflation-adjusted $3.3 million in a comparable period in his first term, per the report. The report states the spending is significant considering the loss of Trump’s conveniently located Washington Hotel, which he no longer operates under his brand after selling the lease. The report notes that lawmakers and lobbyists are traveling hundreds of miles from their districts to spend money at Trump’s properties.

The Republican National Committee accounted for nearly $1.8 million of the spending, making it the biggest customer among the political organizations the report analyzed. Other big spenders include the PAC MAGA Inc. and the National Republican Congressional Committee.

A joint fundraising committee associated with Rep. Ronny Jackson, R-Texas, spent more than $120,000 at Trump businesses. One Mar-a-Lago bill exceeded $48,000 during the week of Jackson's birthday celebration in April.

Republican congressional candidate Joe Mitchell's campaign spent nearly $90,000 at Trump properties, particularly at his Palm Beach club.

Republican officials defended the spending by claiming that the choice is best on donor demand.

"We hold events where donors want to show up, and that's Mar-a-Lago," NRCC spokesman Mike Marinella told the Post. He also added that the event generated substantially more money than was spent.

Spending eventually slowed as Republican groups paid $336,000 to Trump businesses from June through September, compared with $1.3 million in inflation-adjusted spending over the same stretch of his first term.

The Post's accounting did not include Trump's campaign and affiliated committees, as well as spending by groups with undisclosed donors.

With recent polls showing most voters are concerned about corruption, reports that Trump’s family business earned $1.4 billion from cryptocurrency and related partnerships in 2025 drew heavy criticism.

The report serves as another example of how Trump privately profits from loyal GOP allies, as Democrats warn they will investigate his businesses if they win congressional power at the midterms.