The Lincoln Project’s recent scandal has just gotten worse.
The anti-Trump group called the Lincoln Project has had Pandora’s box opened on their co-founder, John Weaver, who for years sent unsolicited and sexually provocative messages to young men online, suggesting he could elevate their career and get them to work in politics. Independent reporter, Ryan James Girdusky – who originally broke the story – has said there are close to 100 men that came forward to him.
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This is a prime example of a powerful, influential older man preying on young, vulnerable young professionals looking to gain experience in D.C. Weaver wanted to satisfy his predatory needs while these young men were thinking it could be a great professional opportunity if they engaged in what Weaver wanted. It was a help me-help you attitude.
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At least 10 of the men received sexual solicitations. In the most explicit messages, he acted like a male ‘sugar daddy’; offering professional and financial assistance in exchange for sex.
For example, he told one man, “spoil you when we see each other,” according to a message reviewed by The New York Times.
But wait…there’s more!
It turns out some of the Lincoln Project founders knew about the harassment allegations long before they were reported.
Multiple sources told 19th News that multiple cofounders, including the group’s executive directors, knew about the allegations as early as March:
Some of the individuals came forward with new details on Monday after they were released from their nondisclosure agreements. Several said Sarah Lenti, a managing partner with the group who was previously its executive director, knew about the allegations against Weaver as early as May 2020. Lenti confirmed that some of the group’s co-founders knew about the allegations as early as March 2020. Schmidt and Galen were among those who knew, multiple sources said.
Only three of the Lincoln Project’s eight co-founders — Schmidt, Galen and Wilson — remain after months of infighting about the group’s management, finances and the allegations faced by Weaver. Stevens, a former strategist for Republican Sen. Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign, joined the group in May 2020.
The allegations didn’t conveniently surface until after the election in January 2021 which has raised questions of whether or not the media was complicit in the cover-up.
Not only is the group falling apart but multiple political entities are cutting ties with the embattled organization.
Online donation platform Anedot, Israeli Prime Minister candidate Gideon Sa’ar, and Schumer’s The Senate Majority PAC have all cut ties with the Lincoln Project.