Jan 6 Committee exposes '$250 million Big Rip-off': Election Defense Fund didn't exist

In its second public hearing, the January 6 Committee revealed Trump raised $250 million for an 'Official Election Defense Fund' that did not exist. Rep. Zoe Lofgren stated: 'The Big Lie was also a big rip-off.' Campaign officials testified fraud claims were 'bullshit' (Stepien) and 'crazy' (Barr), yet Trump sent 25 emails/day soliciting donations. Fine print showed money went to Save America PAC (75%) and RNC (25%), not litigation. Jason Miller testified 'there was no deal' for an Election Defense Fund—it was marketing fiction. Save America accumulated $100M+ by Jan 2021, funding the Ellipse rally that preceded the Capitol attack, not election challenges.

"The Big Lie was also a big rip-off." — Rep. Zoe Lofgren, January 6 Committee hearing, June 13, 2022