Koch network declines to support Trump

In the 2012, a network of GOP-friendly donors headed by philanthropist brothers Charles and David Koch spent roughly $400 million in support of Republican candidates, much of that promoting Mitt Romney's candidacy. Many expected them to spend similar or even greater sums in 2016, with much of it again in support of the Republican presidential candidate. As NBC News reports following a gathering of the donor network, however, Donald Trump has been repeatedly rebuffed by the Koch brothers:

Charles Koch Explains To Donors Why He Won't Support Trump

Charles Koch's refusal to spend the network's money to influence the presidential election in favor of Trump, aggravated some donors who believe Trump is a far better choice than Clinton...

Charles Koch, who runs the conservative donor network that has raised three-quarters of a billion dollars from its members, emphasized and clarified his own personal position, including that he would not support Republican candidate Donald Trump....

The article also points out the Trump team has been trying to get the Koch's support, to no avail:

Top Trump campaign aides and top officials of the Koch network, including Mark Holden, the chairman of the board of Koch's political arm Freedom Partners, met in June after Trump staff requests. Leaders of the Koch network did not change their position or opinion of Trump after that meeting.

Trump's own fundraising efforts remain far behind those of his rival, and outside groups spending on his half could have helped to reduce the spending disparity. Instead it appears the gulf will be even wider because of Trump's inability so far to inspire significant independent support.