[link removed] [[link removed]] John,
We recently reported that the Federal Election Commission has received 59 allegations that Donald Trump or his committees violated the Federal Election Campaign Act – but that a Republican FEC commissioner had never voted to approve any investigation or enforcement of the law against Trump. (If you missed that email, read more below!)
As of last week—that’s no longer true. The FEC just fined a super PAC associated with Trump $6,075 for failing to report the source of a $150,000 donation.
Basically, it took 60 allegations for the FEC to do anything, and when it finally did, it was against a practically defunct super PAC and it was only a paltry fine.
Here’s the deal: At least four of the six FEC Commissioners need to approve any FEC investigation, and because only three of those seats can be filled by Democrats, Republicans hold a veto over the agency’s enforcement.
They’ve repeatedly used that power to shoot down any recommended enforcement of campaign finance law against Trump.
Look John, FEC commissioners are supposed to be chosen on the basis of their experience, integrity, impartiality and good judgment. But just this month, FEC commissioner Trey Trainor recently liked a tweet with a video saying "f--- Joe Biden." Does that sound impartial to you?
The FEC’s lack of consequential action—and one commissioner’s questionable social media presence—add up to a picture of an agency that desperately needs oversight. Earlier this week, we sent a letter to both of the country’s election watchdogs urging them to hire permanent inspectors general as soon as possible.
When the FEC refuses to enforce the law and pass the buck it weakens our systems of checks and balances and hurts our ability to hold future wrongdoers accountable.
That’s why if we want accountability, we have to fight for it. And that’s exactly what CREW’s doing – but we need your support.
Please, make a donation to CREW and help us continue our work to hold Donald Trump accountable *any* time he breaks the law → [[link removed]]If you've saved your payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will go through immediately:
Donate $5 → [[link removed]]
Donate $25 → [[link removed]]
Donate $50 → [[link removed]]
Donate $100 → [[link removed]]
Donate $250 → [[link removed]]
Other → [[link removed]]
Thanks,
Robert Maguire
Research Director
CREW
---------- Forwarded message ---------
[FWD]
John,
As of December 2023, the Federal Election Commission has received 59 complaints alleging that Donald Trump or his committees violated the Federal Election Campaign Act. In 29 of those cases, nonpartisan staff in the FEC’s Office of General Counsel recommended the FEC investigate Trump.
Yet not once has a Republican FEC commissioner voted to approve any such investigation or enforcement of the law against Trump, a new CREW analysis found.
[link removed] [[link removed]]We have campaign finance laws. But they don't mean much if every single time that powerful politicians – like Donald Trump – face FEC investigations, the GOP commissioners block action.
John, Donald Trump has been credibly accused of a staggering number of crimes. And institution after institution keeps letting him get away with it.
Here at CREW, we believe no one is above the law – not even a former president. It’s why we’re doing everything in our power to hold Trump accountable – whether it’s for inciting an insurrection, or breaking campaign finance laws.
Help CREW continue our work to hold Donald Trump accountable for *all* his law breaking → [[link removed]]If you've saved your payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will go through immediately:
Donate $5 → [[link removed]]
Donate $25 → [[link removed]]
Donate $50 → [[link removed]]
Donate $100 → [[link removed]]
Donate $250 → [[link removed]]
Other → [[link removed]]
Because at least four of the six FEC Commissioners need to approve any FEC investigation, and because only three of those seats can be filled by members of the same party, Republicans hold a veto over the agency’s enforcement and have repeatedly used it to shoot down any recommended enforcement of campaign finance law against Trump.
They are truly committed to shielding Trump from accountability.
John, while some institutions, like the Supreme Court and the FEC have let Trump off the hook time and time again, some are stepping up.
Prosecutors in New York, for example, are heading to trial on April 15th to make the case that Trump committed campaign finance crimes, and that those crimes matter. That’s a good thing.
No one should be allowed to pay hush money to cover up a big story and keep voters in the dark before an election. Not even Donald Trump.
We’re committed to holding Trump accountable and defending our democracy, no matter how many institutions decide they won’t step up. That’s why we’re never going to stop shining a light on Trump’s campaign finance and corruption issues.
We can’t do this alone. Please make a donation to CREW today and help us continue the fight for accountability → [[link removed]]
DONATE → [[link removed]]
Thank you,
CREW
Make sure this email goes to your inbox. Add
[email protected] to your address book.
Email is a key way for us to stay in touch and make sure you get the latest updates from our campaign. But if you would like to unsubscribe, click here [[link removed]] .
Sign up to receive our messages straight to your phone! This is the best and fastest way to support CREW's work. Text 'JOIN' to 40234 to get updates. Txt STOP 2 end, HELP 4 help.
If you'd like to donate to support our efforts, please click here → [[link removed]]
© Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington 2020–2023
CFC 42218
Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington
PO Box 14596
Washington, DC 20044
United States
