Conservative Koch Network To Spend $70 Million To Defeat Donald Trump In GOP Presidential Primaries

The conservative television network, Americans for Prosperity Action, has raised more than $70 million for upcoming political races in an attempt to help Republicans beat the leading candidate, Donald Trump.

The network is run by conservative industrialist Charles Koch, who founded it with his brother, David Koch, before he passed away in 2019. Americans for Prosperity Action seeks to “have a president in 2025 who represents a new chapter,” a network official wrote in February.

Koch and the rest of the network have not yet chosen a Republican candidate to back in the 2024 election. Many significant donors are holding out for the summer debates to see if Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-Florida) can push forward, or if less-recognizable candidates like Sen. Tim Scott (R-South Carolina) will dominate against his opponents.

According to a draft of the Federal Election Commission’s filings for Americans for Prosperity Action, major donors to the network include Art Pope, a North Carolina businessman who has aligned himself with candidate Mike Pence in the past. Other donors include Chicago businessman Craig Duchossois and brothers to the Walmart fortune, Jim Walton and Rob Walton.

The efforts of Americans for Prosperity Action were reported as Trump’s campaign announced the more than $35 million it has raised in the second quarter of the year. Defeating the former president, who is of great status and wealth, will definitely be a challenge. Despite two indictments and incriminating evidence against him, Trump continues to pull ahead as the Republican frontrunner.

The network is currently utilizing its large group of activists to energize conservative voters who may be open to voting for someone other than Trump. Americans for Prosperity Action has been gathering data and sparking conversations about Trump’s shortcomings.

It is unclear when the group will decide on which candidate to back against Trump. The network will most likely wait until closer to the Iowa caucuses next year to announce their endorsement.

Article by Ava Lombardi