smcphail.bsky.social
@smcphail.bsky.social
Director of Campaign Finance Litigation at Citizens For Responsibility and Ethics in Washington
Reposted by smcphail.bsky.social
NEW: ProPublica revealed that the FBI was circling Sen. Collins over a defense contractor’s donations — until Trump gutted the unit in charge.
Collins has since mustered a defense with a series of incorrect and misleading claims.
Collins has since mustered a defense with a series of incorrect and misleading claims.
ProPublica Debunks Susan Collins’ Claims About FBI Anti-Corruption Probe
ProPublica revealed that the FBI was circling Sen. Collins over a defense contractor’s donations — until President Trump gutted the unit in charge. Collins has since mustered a defense with a series o...
www.propublica.org
September 23, 2026 at 10:35 PM
NEW: ProPublica revealed that the FBI was circling Sen. Collins over a defense contractor’s donations — until Trump gutted the unit in charge.
Collins has since mustered a defense with a series of incorrect and misleading claims.
Collins has since mustered a defense with a series of incorrect and misleading claims.
Must read piece in Pro Publica on the reality of today’s campaign finance system that shows the false promises SCOTUS made that got us here. 🧵https://www.propublica.org/article/fbi-susan-collins-navatek-campaign-donations-investigation
The FBI Anti-Corruption Squad Was Circling Susan Collins — Until Trump Got in the Way
After the FBI caught a defense contractor’s CEO making illegal campaign contributions, it sought to launch a sweeping political bribery probe involving Collins and others. Then the second Trump admini...
www.propublica.org
September 22, 2026 at 2:22 PM
Must read piece in Pro Publica on the reality of today’s campaign finance system that shows the false promises SCOTUS made that got us here. 🧵https://www.propublica.org/article/fbi-susan-collins-navatek-campaign-donations-investigation
Reposted by smcphail.bsky.social
Since Trump’s pardons, insurrectionists have sought offices from town clerk and school board all the way up to governorships and congressional seats—but voters across the country are overwhelmingly rejecting them. 🧵
September 21, 2026 at 4:43 PM
Since Trump’s pardons, insurrectionists have sought offices from town clerk and school board all the way up to governorships and congressional seats—but voters across the country are overwhelmingly rejecting them. 🧵
Reposted by smcphail.bsky.social
Conditioning funding based on a recipient’s support or opposition to a particular political candidate or party is a violation of the Hatch Act.
The Office of Special Counsel must investigate the Trump admin's "partisan punishment of American citizens."
The Office of Special Counsel must investigate the Trump admin's "partisan punishment of American citizens."
Trump administration’s politicized federal grant decisions violate the Hatch Act - CREW | Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington
The Trump administration’s admitted cancellation of federal grants to states based on their political identity is a Hatch Act violation.
www.citizensforethics.org
September 16, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Conditioning funding based on a recipient’s support or opposition to a particular political candidate or party is a violation of the Hatch Act.
The Office of Special Counsel must investigate the Trump admin's "partisan punishment of American citizens."
The Office of Special Counsel must investigate the Trump admin's "partisan punishment of American citizens."
Reposted by smcphail.bsky.social
Trump became the presumptive GOP nominee on March 12, 2024, and within days, he started creating new companies and slapping his name on products.
He hasn't stopped since. The tally now stands at 81 new businesses—36 since taking office (he started two more while I was drafting this report)
He hasn't stopped since. The tally now stands at 81 new businesses—36 since taking office (he started two more while I was drafting this report)
Trump incorporated dozens of new companies in lead up to second term—and never stopped - CREW | Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington
Trump filed a financial disclosure in June revealing he brought in more than $2.2 billion in revenue during 2025. We found that more than a third of that revenue came from dozens of companies Trump ha...
www.citizensforethics.org
September 16, 2026 at 1:34 PM
Trump became the presumptive GOP nominee on March 12, 2024, and within days, he started creating new companies and slapping his name on products.
He hasn't stopped since. The tally now stands at 81 new businesses—36 since taking office (he started two more while I was drafting this report)
He hasn't stopped since. The tally now stands at 81 new businesses—36 since taking office (he started two more while I was drafting this report)
Reposted by smcphail.bsky.social
One year ago, I started highlighting the growing number of enforcement matters that the FEC cannot resolve until we regain a quorum. Last year, there were 154. Now, it’s doubled to 307. We need a quorum to tackle this backlog and fully achieve the agency’s mission this election.
September 1, 2026 at 8:59 PM
One year ago, I started highlighting the growing number of enforcement matters that the FEC cannot resolve until we regain a quorum. Last year, there were 154. Now, it’s doubled to 307. We need a quorum to tackle this backlog and fully achieve the agency’s mission this election.
So Meta is donating $5 million to dark money groups for both the R and D sides of the house and senate. But I've been assured by SCOTUS that donors only contribute to these groups to fund speech they support....
#ELB: Quote of the Day https://electionlawblog.org/2026/quote-of-the-day-183/
August 28, 2026 at 5:46 PM
So Meta is donating $5 million to dark money groups for both the R and D sides of the house and senate. But I've been assured by SCOTUS that donors only contribute to these groups to fund speech they support....
Reposted by smcphail.bsky.social
NEW: Trump reported bringing in over $2.2 billion in revenue during 2025. More than a third of that revenue came from dozens of companies Trump had just incorporated months before. The data makes clear Trump’s intention to capitalize on the presidency like *never* before.
August 27, 2026 at 4:09 PM
NEW: Trump reported bringing in over $2.2 billion in revenue during 2025. More than a third of that revenue came from dozens of companies Trump had just incorporated months before. The data makes clear Trump’s intention to capitalize on the presidency like *never* before.
Reposted by smcphail.bsky.social
👀 More examples of big super PAC contribs buying access to POTUS.
By @issueonereform.bsky.social's count, these will be at least the 13th and 14th big money super PAC fundraising events President Trump will have attended since he was elected in Nov 2024.
h/t @cbsnews.com @gabekaminsky.bsky.social
By @issueonereform.bsky.social's count, these will be at least the 13th and 14th big money super PAC fundraising events President Trump will have attended since he was elected in Nov 2024.
h/t @cbsnews.com @gabekaminsky.bsky.social
August 24, 2026 at 7:28 PM
👀 More examples of big super PAC contribs buying access to POTUS.
By @issueonereform.bsky.social's count, these will be at least the 13th and 14th big money super PAC fundraising events President Trump will have attended since he was elected in Nov 2024.
h/t @cbsnews.com @gabekaminsky.bsky.social
By @issueonereform.bsky.social's count, these will be at least the 13th and 14th big money super PAC fundraising events President Trump will have attended since he was elected in Nov 2024.
h/t @cbsnews.com @gabekaminsky.bsky.social
Reposted by smcphail.bsky.social
Massive political spending is an avenue for the sort of undue influence that most American voters view as corrupt. Restoring confidence in government will require major reforms to address the concentration of private wealth and public power.
Cyclospora Outbreak Shows Why So Many Americans Are Angry About Corruption
Following major lobbying and campaign spending from the food industry, an important safety rule has been delayed for years.
brennancenter.org
August 23, 2026 at 5:27 PM
Massive political spending is an avenue for the sort of undue influence that most American voters view as corrupt. Restoring confidence in government will require major reforms to address the concentration of private wealth and public power.
Reposted by smcphail.bsky.social
EXCLUSIVE: Committee Review Finds Trump Pardons Have Cost Crime Victims $1.7 Billion and Enriched Trump Allies
macfarlanenews.substack.com/p/exclusive-...
macfarlanenews.substack.com/p/exclusive-...
August 21, 2026 at 10:57 AM
EXCLUSIVE: Committee Review Finds Trump Pardons Have Cost Crime Victims $1.7 Billion and Enriched Trump Allies
macfarlanenews.substack.com/p/exclusive-...
macfarlanenews.substack.com/p/exclusive-...
Reposted by smcphail.bsky.social
NEW: Trump's second term has taken corruption to an entirely new level—expanding the ways he can profit from the presidency, reward allies and use the power of his office for personal gain.
Here are 10 ways Trump's second term is even more corrupt than his first.
Here are 10 ways Trump's second term is even more corrupt than his first.
10 ways President Trump is more corrupt this term - CREW | Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington
Crypto schemes, corrupt politicians pardon, foreign deals, funding the ballroom, promoting his properties—Trump's corruption has worsened.
www.citizensforethics.org
August 13, 2026 at 3:45 PM
NEW: Trump's second term has taken corruption to an entirely new level—expanding the ways he can profit from the presidency, reward allies and use the power of his office for personal gain.
Here are 10 ways Trump's second term is even more corrupt than his first.
Here are 10 ways Trump's second term is even more corrupt than his first.
Reposted by smcphail.bsky.social
NEW: With partners, @citizensforethics.org just filed suit on behalf of The Intercept and Freedom of the Press Foundation to stop TruthSocial's early access subscriptions. www.citizensforethics.org/legal-action...
Truth Social's $100,000-per-month subscription for early access to Trump posts is unconstitutional - CREW | Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington
President Trump's scheme to charge $100,000 per month for advance access to official government announcements on Truth Social violates the First and Fifth Amendments to the Constitution.
www.citizensforethics.org
August 12, 2026 at 2:20 PM
NEW: With partners, @citizensforethics.org just filed suit on behalf of The Intercept and Freedom of the Press Foundation to stop TruthSocial's early access subscriptions. www.citizensforethics.org/legal-action...
But I've been assured that all the court decisions during that time striking down campaign finance laws have been expanding free speech rights (if you're rich enough to afford them of course)?
Most Americans think the freedom of speech is eroding (hard to disagree with that) and, more disturbing still, that it will continue to erode over the next decade.
August 5, 2026 at 1:52 PM
But I've been assured that all the court decisions during that time striking down campaign finance laws have been expanding free speech rights (if you're rich enough to afford them of course)?
Reposted by smcphail.bsky.social
BREAKING: We just sued the Treasury Department for illegally withholding information about who is receiving settlement money from its Judgement Fund.
Taxpayers need to know whether Jan. 6ers and Trump allies are getting massive payouts from the federal government.
Taxpayers need to know whether Jan. 6ers and Trump allies are getting massive payouts from the federal government.
CREW sues Treasury Department for concealing January 6th settlement details - CREW | Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington
The Treasury Department is illegally concealing who is receiving settlement money from its Judgment Fund, obscuring whether January 6th insurrectionists are receiving payouts.
www.citizensforethics.org
August 3, 2026 at 6:46 PM
BREAKING: We just sued the Treasury Department for illegally withholding information about who is receiving settlement money from its Judgement Fund.
Taxpayers need to know whether Jan. 6ers and Trump allies are getting massive payouts from the federal government.
Taxpayers need to know whether Jan. 6ers and Trump allies are getting massive payouts from the federal government.
Reposted by smcphail.bsky.social
NEW: The Jan. 6 insurrection left American taxpayers with $2.7 billion in costs that were never recovered. Now, convicted Jan. 6 defendants are trying to use the Federal Tort Claims Act to extract substantial and secretive payouts from the government.
January 6ers cost taxpayers $2.7 billion. Now they're seeking secret payouts. - CREW | Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington
January 6ers could seek negotiations for secretive payouts through the Federal Tort Claims Act should Congress fail to take action.
www.citizensforethics.org
July 22, 2026 at 6:43 PM
NEW: The Jan. 6 insurrection left American taxpayers with $2.7 billion in costs that were never recovered. Now, convicted Jan. 6 defendants are trying to use the Federal Tort Claims Act to extract substantial and secretive payouts from the government.
Reposted by smcphail.bsky.social
We helped secure a big win for Arizona voters! The Arizona Supreme Court upheld Prop 211, the voter-approved law that reveals the original sources of money spent in elections and protects voters’ right to know who is spending big money to influence their vote. 1/3
Major Victory for Election Transparency as Arizona Disclosure Law is Upheld
In a huge victory for Arizonans, Campaign Legal Center, our local Arizona partners, and for the fight against dark money in our elections, the Arizona Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of...
campaignlegal.org
July 9, 2026 at 5:18 PM
We helped secure a big win for Arizona voters! The Arizona Supreme Court upheld Prop 211, the voter-approved law that reveals the original sources of money spent in elections and protects voters’ right to know who is spending big money to influence their vote. 1/3
Reposted by smcphail.bsky.social
BREAKING: We filed for a temporary restraining order to block the transfer of $1.8B from the Treasury Dept to Trump's slush fund.
Trump can't unilaterally and secretly disburse these taxpayer funds. The court must stop this grift before it's too late. www.citizensforethics.org/news/press-r...
Trump can't unilaterally and secretly disburse these taxpayer funds. The court must stop this grift before it's too late. www.citizensforethics.org/news/press-r...
CREW files for restraining order to immediately block Trump’s $1.8 billion slush fund - CREW | Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington
The court should issue a temporary restraining order to immediately halt the transfer of $1.776 billion to Trump’s secretive slush fund.
www.citizensforethics.org
May 28, 2026 at 10:35 PM
BREAKING: We filed for a temporary restraining order to block the transfer of $1.8B from the Treasury Dept to Trump's slush fund.
Trump can't unilaterally and secretly disburse these taxpayer funds. The court must stop this grift before it's too late. www.citizensforethics.org/news/press-r...
Trump can't unilaterally and secretly disburse these taxpayer funds. The court must stop this grift before it's too late. www.citizensforethics.org/news/press-r...
Reposted by smcphail.bsky.social
BREAKING: We sued the DOJ, Treasury Department and IRS to block the Trump admin from handing out $1.8 billion in taxpayer funds to Trump's allies who claim to be victims of government weaponization.
This settlement is one of the single most corrupt acts in American history.
This settlement is one of the single most corrupt acts in American history.
CREW sues to block Trump’s $1.8 billion slush fund - CREW | Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington
The Trump administration’s $1.776 billion “anti-weaponization” slush fund is unconstitutional and violates multiple federal laws.
www.citizensforethics.org
May 22, 2026 at 8:24 PM
BREAKING: We sued the DOJ, Treasury Department and IRS to block the Trump admin from handing out $1.8 billion in taxpayer funds to Trump's allies who claim to be victims of government weaponization.
This settlement is one of the single most corrupt acts in American history.
This settlement is one of the single most corrupt acts in American history.
Reposted by smcphail.bsky.social
NEW: CLC and @citizensforethics.org are suing the FEC to stop a loophole that permits outside groups — like Elon Musk’s super PAC in 2024 — to coordinate with candidates and spend millions of dollars on canvassing.
New Lawsuit Challenges Illegal FEC Opinion That Greenlights Coordinated Spending on Canvassing
In a new lawsuit, Campaign Legal Center, alongside Citizens for Responsible Ethics in Washington (CREW) as co-counsel, is calling on the courts to step in and immediately declare a 2024 FEC Advisory O...
campaignlegal.org
May 7, 2026 at 5:34 PM
NEW: CLC and @citizensforethics.org are suing the FEC to stop a loophole that permits outside groups — like Elon Musk’s super PAC in 2024 — to coordinate with candidates and spend millions of dollars on canvassing.
Reposted by smcphail.bsky.social
BREAKING: We, alongside @campaignlegal.org, sued the FEC over its advisory opinion allowing wealthy donors and special interests to spend millions in coordination with candidates—while hiding who may be spending big to influence votes.
The court must reject this illegal opinion.
The court must reject this illegal opinion.
CREW, CLC sue FEC to strike down unlawful advisory opinion on canvassing coordination - CREW | Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington
Campaign Legal Center and CREW filed a complaint asking the U.S. District Court for DC to strike down an unlawful 2024 FEC advisory opinion.
www.citizensforethics.org
May 7, 2026 at 3:01 PM
BREAKING: We, alongside @campaignlegal.org, sued the FEC over its advisory opinion allowing wealthy donors and special interests to spend millions in coordination with candidates—while hiding who may be spending big to influence votes.
The court must reject this illegal opinion.
The court must reject this illegal opinion.
Fascinating deep dive into backroom deals and double dealing that led to perhaps the most consequential campaign finance case that put up elections up for sale.
www.nytimes.com/2026/05/06/u...
www.nytimes.com/2026/05/06/u...
A Look Inside the Case That Enshrined Political Power for Billionaires
www.nytimes.com
May 6, 2026 at 1:48 PM
Fascinating deep dive into backroom deals and double dealing that led to perhaps the most consequential campaign finance case that put up elections up for sale.
www.nytimes.com/2026/05/06/u...
www.nytimes.com/2026/05/06/u...
Reposted by smcphail.bsky.social
NEW: We just submitted an amicus brief urging the court to reject the National Park Service's effort to remove an exhibit about freedom and slavery from Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia.
Read more:
Read more:
CREW files amicus brief in support of restoring Freedom and Slavery Exhibit - CREW | Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington
Removing the Freedom and Slavery Exhibit at the Independence National Historical Park would undercut an accurate portrayal of U.S. history.
www.citizensforethics.org
April 30, 2026 at 6:12 PM
NEW: We just submitted an amicus brief urging the court to reject the National Park Service's effort to remove an exhibit about freedom and slavery from Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia.
Read more:
Read more:
# of audience members incited to attack government officials:
Trump: 600+
Kimmel: 0
Trump: 600+
Kimmel: 0
April 27, 2026 at 5:50 PM
# of audience members incited to attack government officials:
Trump: 600+
Kimmel: 0
Trump: 600+
Kimmel: 0
In today's argument, judge Rao and the FEC floated yet another scheme to kill off the FECA.
April 20, 2026 at 3:48 PM
In today's argument, judge Rao and the FEC floated yet another scheme to kill off the FECA.