2024 US Election Becomes Most Expensive Ever

The 2024 U.S. presidential election is set to become the most expensive in history, with projected spending reaching $15.9 billion, significantly surpassing the previous record of $15.1 billion in 2020 and $6.5 billion in 2016. Vice President Kamala Harris leads in fundraising, amassing over $1 billion directly, while Donald Trump raised $382 million, with both benefitting from substantial support from wealthy donors. Major contributors to Trump's campaign include Timothy Mellon and Elon Musk, while Harris's backing includes Michael Bloomberg and Bill Gates. The election has raised concerns about the influence of megadonors on the political process, as both parties have heavily invested in advertising, particularly in swing states like Pennsylvania, which saw $1.2 billion in campaign ads alone. Overall, the election spending reflects a staggering increase in campaign financing, with implications for the voice of ordinary voters amidst the financial clout of the wealthy.