The Patriot Legal Defense Fund, a fund set up to support the legal expenses of Donald Trump’s allies, spent a significant amount in the first three months of 2024, but little of the money actually went towards attorneys’ fees or court costs. According to an IRS filing, the fund spent $478,000 during this time period, with only $342 going to an actual law firm. The majority of the expenses went to a firm called HaystackID for “attorney review service.” The fund also paid its accountants and reimbursed a photographer for an event dinner.
Despite spending a significant amount in the first quarter of 2024, the Patriot Legal Defense Fund also managed to raise $390,000 during this time. Most of the donations came from Marlene Ricketts, the co-owner of the Chicago Cubs, who contributed $250,000. Other notable donations include $100,000 from a Florida retiree and $5,000 from Sen. Steve Daines’ leadership PAC. The fund’s directors include Trump advisers Michael Glassner and Susie Wiles, with Lynne Patton serving as the finance director.
Overall, the Patriot Legal Defense Fund has raised $1.9 million and spent $877,000 since its inception in 2023. In the previous year, the fund disclosed paying a total of $371,000 to two Washington, D.C.-based law firms, as well as $18,000 to Mar-a-Lago for a banquet. The fund’s directors and spokespeople for HaystackID did not respond to inquiries about the fund’s expenses and operations.
The fund’s primary goal is to raise money to help defray legal expenses related to defending against legal actions arising from individuals’ or groups’ participation in the political process. However, with the majority of the expenses going towards services like attorney review and other non-legal fees, questions have been raised about how the fund is actually being used. It remains unclear why such a small portion of the funds have been allocated towards legal fees.
The fund’s association with Trump allies and staffers further adds to the scrutiny surrounding its operations. With key figures like Glassner, Wiles, and Patton involved in the fund’s management, there are concerns about transparency and accountability in how the funds are being used. Additionally, the source of the donations, including contributions from high-profile individuals like Marlene Ricketts, raise questions about the motivations behind supporting the legal expenses of Trump allies.
As the Patriot Legal Defense Fund continues to raise and spend money, there is a growing need for transparency and accountability in how the funds are being utilized. With a significant amount being spent on non-legal expenses, concerns have been raised about whether the fund is truly fulfilling its intended purpose of supporting legal defense for Trump allies and staffers. As more information comes to light about the fund’s operations, it will be important to ensure that the donations are being used appropriately and in line with the fund’s stated mission.
