If you think the violent Trumpist coup attempt on January 6 that struck at the heart of our democracy was a one-off, follow the money today. Individuals and groups that organized and carried out the seditious attack, prominently Event Strategies which organized the so-called "Stop the Steal" riot, are being funded by Trump-aligned PACs and other funding sources:
"A review of public financial disclosures shows that multiple entities involved in the Jan. 6 rallies have continued to rake it in after the attack on the U.S. Capitol, with various Republicans and GOP groups continuing to give these entities business even as investigators look into their roles with the insurrection. [snip]
In total, Trump’s fundraising apparatus has paid Event Strategies roughly $800,000 since Jan. 6, according to data compiled by the Center for Responsive Politics, with the latest payment coming on Aug. 13. That $31,358 expense was for “event staging,” and footed by Make America Great Again Action—the Trump-endorsed super PAC run by former top aide Corey Lewandowski which was shuttered earlier this month amid allegations that Lewandowski had sexually assaulted a donor." (our emphasis)
Event Strategies was at the center of the "rally" / coup attempt, having pocketed $2.8 million from Trump's funding sources. In addition, they're benefitting from payments from other Republican entities:
"In April, the National Republican Congressional Committee—the official national committee for House Republicans—reported spending about $3,675 with the firm for “facility rental,” and dropped another $6,000 for “audio visual/staging” expenses on June 29. And in late August, the Alabama Republican Party and Rep. Mo Brooks (R-AL), a key player in efforts to overturn the election, shelled out $200,000 and $7,038 to the company, respectively, according to filings with the Federal Election Commission."
By the time 2022 and 2024 roll around, they'll be well-funded and experienced in organizing the Trumpist base to attack any election result that doesn't favor Dear Leader or his chosen hacks. Event Strategies and other Trump-backed groups are being investigated for their role before, during and after January 6, and should be held responsible for their role in what happened that day before the next coup is attempted.
(photo: Sedition leader Trump on Jan. 6. AP)
