The Funding Behind the January 6th Trump Rally: Dark Money PACs and Complicit Republican Attorneys General

The January 6th rally in Washington D.C. was not just a moment of political unrest but a carefully orchestrated event funded by dark money political action committees (PACs) and a network of influential organizations aligned with the Republican Party. This article delves into the funding and organizations behind the rally, highlighting the roles of the Rule of Law Defense Fund and the Republican Attorneys General Association.

Black Box Funding: The Role of Rule of Law Defense Fund (RLDF)

At the heart of the January 6th rally was the Rule of Law Defense Fund (RLDF), a non-profit organization classified as a 501(c)(4) under U.S. tax law. As a 501(c)(4) organization, RLDF is not required to disclose its donors, making it a privileged dark money PAC. The RLDF's funding sources were primarily from conservative groups with deep pockets, including the Koch-backed Freedom Partners. Other significant donors to the RLDF included the Judicial Crisis Network, the Rule of Law Project, and the Edison Electric Institute.

Organizing a Right-Wing Rally: The Republican Attorneys General Association

The rally was organized by the Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA), a 527 political organization that plays a crucial role in electing Republican attorneys general. RAGA has a history of significant funding from large corporations and wealthy individuals, using this influence to shape political landscapes across the United States.

The RAGA's involvement in the January 6th protest is poignantly illustrated by the Robocall message sent out on the night of January 5th. The call urged "patriots" to join a march to protect the integrity of elections, calling on Congress to 'stop the steal.' This event brought together a coalition of conservative forces, all of which were fueled by the RLDF and the broader network of RAGA.

Significant Funding Sources and Corporate Links

A closer look at the financial backers behind the RAGA reveals a list of powerful corporations with a vested interest in maintaining the current political status quo. In 2020, these contributions included:

Koch Industries: $375,000 Comcast Corporation: $200,000 Walmart: $140,000 Home Depot: $125,000 Amazon: $100,000 TikTok: $75,000 1-800 Contacts: $51,000 Chevron: $50,000 The National Rifle Association: $50,000 Monsanto: $50,000 Facebook: $50,000 FOX Corporation: $50,000 Uber: $50,000 Coca-Cola: $50,000 Exxon: $50,000 Google: $25,000

On January 5th alone, the RAGA sent out a divisive Robocall, which exemplifies their continued influence. The call urged supporters to join the "march to save America," a euphemistic reference to the rally, and emphasized the need to protect election integrity.

Republican Attorneys General and Election Tampering Efforts

The January 6th events also showcase the complicity of Republican attorneys general in undermining the 2020 election results. Kent Paxton, then the Texas Attorney General, filed a brief with the U.S. Supreme Court seeking to invalidate certain ballots in Pennsylvania. This action aligns with a broader pattern of Republican attorneys general seeking to challenge the legitimacy of the election.

Republican attorneys general like Jeff Landry, who serves as chairman of the RLDF, have been instrumental in coordinating efforts to challenge the election results. Their involvement in organizing and funding such events raises serious questions about the legitimacy of their actions and the integrity of the democratic process.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The January 6th rally was more than a public show of force; it was a coordinated effort by powerful organizations and Republican attorneys general to challenge the democratic process. The funding behind these events comes from dark money PACs and corporations, which should be held accountable for their role in undermining the integrity of our democracy. It is imperative that there be serious regulation or a ban on dark money PACs, and that organizations and individuals involved in such activities face legal consequences if they violate the law.

As citizens, we must also hold these entities accountable through petitions, letters, and public pressure. By taking these actions, we can ensure that our democracy remains protected and that the rule of law is upheld.