DNC files new complaint against RFK Jr.’s super PAC for hidden fundraising practices
The Democratic National Committee has raised concerns over fundraising practices linked to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s super PAC, American Values 2024. The latest complaint filed with the Federal Election Commission accuses the PAC of failing to disclose loans and loan repayments to Gavin De Becker, an owner of a private security firm hired by Kennedy, in an alleged attempt to manipulate fundraising figures and conceal the PAC’s connection to major donors, including Timothy Mellon who also supports former President Trump.
Mary Beth Cahill, a senior adviser at the DNC, stated that “the rules do apply” to American Values 2024 and accused them of distorting election laws and misleading the public by misrepresenting their fundraising numbers.
Financial filings in April revealed a pattern where the PAC refunded a significant amount to De Becker after receiving substantial contributions from him. Similar transactions occurred in 2023, raising questions about the nature of these funds which the DNC asserts should be classified as loans rather than contributions.
Despite the refunds, the super PAC has highlighted these transactions as evidence of widespread support for Kennedy. The DNC argues that these moves are a tactic to hide Mellon’s significant involvement in the PAC’s finances.
In response to the DNC’s complaint, Tony Lyons, a co-founder of American Values 2024, dismissed the allegations as part of an effort to silence Kennedy and mislead the public about his candidacy. However, campaign finance experts have expressed concerns over the unusual nature of these financial transactions.
Craig Holman from Public Citizen described the arrangement between Kennedy and De Becker as “self-serving” and potentially violating campaign finance laws. Andrew Mayersohn from OpenSecrets noted that these transactions could falsely boost the perception of Kennedy’s campaign viability based on contribution totals.
This recent complaint marks the third filed by the DNC against American Values 2024. In previous complaints, the DNC raised issues over the PAC’s involvement in aiding Kennedy’s campaign efforts in battleground states and funding ballot access in multiple states. Kennedy’s campaign secured ballot access in Michigan, leading to a confirmation by the Michigan Secretary of State’s office.
Despite denials of coordination from American Values 2024, the DNC remains concerned about potential violations of federal law. As the FEC has yet to respond to the DNC’s complaints, the controversy surrounding American Values 2024 and its fundraising practices continues to unfold.
