Right-wing conspiracy theories — like “the big lie” that Donald Trump won the 2020 presidential election — thrive on the appearance that they’re a spontaneous expression of grassroots dissent.
But Intercept reporters have unearthed documents revealing how millionaire and billionaire donors have quietly financed a web of nonprofit organizations promoting “the big lie” and other misinformation — using legal structures designed to hide their identities.
Our team has scoured public records and reviewed hacked data to pull back the curtain on how these organizations are funded and operate, showing the close relationship between conservative dark money and far-right extremism that turned disastrously violent on January 6.
As “the big lie” continues to spread, Intercept reporters are scouring thousands of pages of documents and gigabytes of data to expose the deep pockets behind the right-wing assault on voting rights. Can you chip in and help keep this investigation going?
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This movement may have the appearance of grassroots populism, but it depends hugely on a small number of wealthy donors — secretive individuals and families with far-right views and a vested interest in keeping the GOP in power by any means necessary.
Take David Gore, an Oregon libertarian and think-tank founder whose family owns Gore-Tex, makers of the ubiquitous waterproofing fabric. Internal data provided to The Intercept reveals that between 2018 and January 2021, Gore donated almost $450,000 to the Tea Party Patriots, who co-sponsored the “March to Save America” rally that turned violent on January 6.
The Intercept also revealed the handful of megadonors behind millions of dollars in secret donations to the Bradley Impact Fund, part of a right-wing network that has channeled support for organizations like the Public Interest Legal Foundation, a leading group seeking to overturn the election in court.
While attention-seeking billionaires like Jeff Bezos may grab the headlines, these right-wing megadonors avoid the spotlight while exerting huge political power behind the scenes. We need your support to unravel the web of money and influence that allows the far right’s ultrarich backers to manipulate the public debate.
Will you make a donation and help support this critical investigative journalism today?
