Former President Donald Trump has directed over $28 million in campaign funds from his three presidential bids into his own businesses, including substantial amounts from other Republican campaigns. Notably, in the first half of 2024 alone, federal campaigns and PACs have spent nearly $3.2 million at Trump properties, with more than 80% coming from Trump's own campaign and associated groups. This spending is seen as a way for GOP candidates to curry favor with Trump, who has maintained significant control over the Republican Party. Despite his legal troubles, including multimillion-dollar judgments for defamation and financial fraud, Trump's net worth has increased to $6.6 billion in 2024. Campaign finance experts note that spending at Trump-owned properties, such as Mar-a-Lago and his private jet, has become an accepted way to show loyalty to Trump within the GOP.