Project Lincoln

Project Lincoln. It was a Super PAC and political organization formed in 2019 by a group of prominent former Republican strategists and officials. The group was established with the primary mission of opposing the re-election of President Donald Trump in the 2020 United States presidential election. Its activities centered on producing and funding a series of high-profile advertising campaigns and conducting Opposition research against the Trump administration.

Background and formation

The organization was founded in late 2019 by veteran Republican strategists who had become vocal critics of Donald Trump and the direction of the Republican Party. Key founders included longtime political consultants Steve Schmidt, a veteran of the McCain-Palin 2008 campaign, and John Weaver, who had worked for John McCain and John Kasich. They were joined by attorney George Conway, husband of former Trump advisor Kellyanne Conway. The formation was a direct response to what the founders described as a departure from traditional conservative principles and a threat to democratic norms. The group's name was a deliberate evocation of the legacy of Abraham Lincoln, the first Republican President, symbolizing a stated goal to reclaim the party's founding ideals. Its launch was announced through major media outlets like The New York Times and The Washington Post.

Activities and operations

The primary activity was the creation and distribution of television and digital advertisements aimed at persuading voters, particularly moderate Republicans and independents, to reject Donald Trump. One of its most notable campaigns was the "Mourning in America" ad, a direct rebuttal to Ronald Reagan's iconic "Morning in America" spot, which aired on national networks including Fox News and during programming like Saturday Night Live. The group also engaged in extensive Opposition research, compiling dossiers on Trump administration figures and policies. It collaborated with other anti-Trump groups and made strategic expenditures in key battleground states such as Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Arizona. Leadership, including Steve Schmidt, made frequent appearances on news programs on MSNBC and CNN to articulate its criticisms.

Funding and expenditures

As a Super PAC, it could raise and spend unlimited funds from individuals, corporations, and unions, provided it did not coordinate directly with any candidate's campaign. It reported raising tens of millions of dollars, with significant contributions coming from wealthy donors disillusioned with the GOP leadership. Major reported donors included investment banker Whitney Tilson and philanthropist Kathryn Murdoch. Financial disclosures filed with the Federal Election Commission showed expenditures overwhelmingly dedicated to media placement and production of advertising content. Its fundraising efforts were periodically highlighted in financial reports from outlets like Politico and OpenSecrets, detailing its role in the unprecedented political spending of the 2020 election cycle.

Impact and reception

The impact of its advertising campaigns was a subject of debate among political analysts and polling experts. Supporters and some media commentators argued it effectively amplified dissent within the Republican coalition and contributed to Donald Trump's loss among key suburban demographics. Its "Mourning in America" ad garnered widespread media coverage and was discussed on programs like The View and Real Time with Bill Maher. However, critics from both the Democratic and Republican sides questioned its electoral efficacy, suggesting it primarily appealed to audiences already opposed to the Trump presidency. The group was praised by figures like *note: link forbidden* co-founder Rick Wilson and criticized by Trump allies including Donald Trump Jr. and Ronna McDaniel.

Legal and political challenges

The organization faced significant internal and external controversies. In early 2021, it was engulfed in scandal following allegations of sexual misconduct against co-founder John Weaver, leading to his departure and internal turmoil. This triggered a series of damaging reports in publications like The American Conservative and The New York Times. Externally, it was the subject of complaints filed with the Federal Election Commission alleging financial improprieties and illegal coordination with Democratic campaigns, though no major sanctions were levied. The group also became a target of fierce criticism and legal threats from figures within the Trump administration, including then-White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany. These challenges led to a major restructuring of its board and a significant reduction in its public profile following the 2020 election.

Category:Political action committees in the United States Category:Organizations established in 2019 Category:Anti-Trump organizations