Michael Beckel
@mjbeckel.bsky.social
Research Director: @issueonereform.bsky.social. Following money in politics and dark money since 2009. Alum: @opensecrets.org
How toxic will campaign cash from ICE contractors to candidates and groups be this election cycle?
We may be about to find out.
We may be about to find out.
From 2017 through at least 2025, @DemGovs took in more than $1.2m over 46 donations from a longtime ICE contractor that runs some of its most criticized detention facilities.
DGA spox says they’re keeping the money:
www.politico.com/newsletters/...
DGA spox says they’re keeping the money:
www.politico.com/newsletters/...
Exclusive: Democrats reckon with ICE contractor donations
And a federal judge bars the Trump administration from freezing $16 billion in funding for the huge Gateway tunnel project...
www.politico.com
February 10, 2026 at 5:23 AM
How toxic will campaign cash from ICE contractors to candidates and groups be this election cycle?
We may be about to find out.
We may be about to find out.
Reposted by Michael Beckel
New: Binance holds 87% of the Trump family's stablecoin—$4.7 billion—a higher concentration than any other major stablecoin has at any single exchange.
Its U.S. affiliate holds $1,119.
me, for @forbes.com
Its U.S. affiliate holds $1,119.
me, for @forbes.com
Trump's Stablecoin USD1: Binance Holds 87% After Founder's Pardon
World Liberty Financial's founding document describes the company as "pioneering a new era of Decentralized Finance." Its flagship stablecoin is anything but.
www.forbes.com
February 9, 2026 at 7:48 PM
New: Binance holds 87% of the Trump family's stablecoin—$4.7 billion—a higher concentration than any other major stablecoin has at any single exchange.
Its U.S. affiliate holds $1,119.
me, for @forbes.com
Its U.S. affiliate holds $1,119.
me, for @forbes.com
👀
ICE has now spent over half a BILLION dollars just on purchasing warehouses around the country to convert into detention camps.
If these mega-camps are utilized to the full capacity ICE intends, they'll be the largest prisons in the country, with little real oversight. www.ajc.com/politics/202...
If these mega-camps are utilized to the full capacity ICE intends, they'll be the largest prisons in the country, with little real oversight. www.ajc.com/politics/202...
ICE to begin detaining immigrants inside Social Circle warehouse in April
Homeland Security plans to build warehouse detention facilities in other cities being met with opposition.
www.ajc.com
February 9, 2026 at 7:34 PM
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Must read from @issueonereform.bsky.social: "Election Officials Are Under Siege. Here’s How We Can Support Them." thereformcompass.substack.com/p/election-o...
Election Officials Are Under Siege. Here’s How We Can Support Them.
New report shows why protecting election officials can’t wait
thereformcompass.substack.com
February 9, 2026 at 5:42 PM
Must read from @issueonereform.bsky.social: "Election Officials Are Under Siege. Here’s How We Can Support Them." thereformcompass.substack.com/p/election-o...
Reminder: DraftKings donated $502,000 to Donald Trump's inauguration last year, in the form of "in-kind" event staging expenses
docquery.fec.gov/cgi-bin/form...
docquery.fec.gov/cgi-bin/form...
February 9, 2026 at 3:27 PM
Reminder: DraftKings donated $502,000 to Donald Trump's inauguration last year, in the form of "in-kind" event staging expenses
docquery.fec.gov/cgi-bin/form...
docquery.fec.gov/cgi-bin/form...
In the face of heightened political rhetoric, harassment, and threats since the 2020 election, election officials across the country have been leaving their jobs and taking with them immense amounts of institutional knowledge.
A new report from @issueonereform.bsky.social details the turnover 🧵
A new report from @issueonereform.bsky.social details the turnover 🧵
February 9, 2026 at 3:09 PM
In the face of heightened political rhetoric, harassment, and threats since the 2020 election, election officials across the country have been leaving their jobs and taking with them immense amounts of institutional knowledge.
A new report from @issueonereform.bsky.social details the turnover 🧵
A new report from @issueonereform.bsky.social details the turnover 🧵
Yet another new frontier for big-money special interest to curry favor with the Trump administration, via @kenvogel.bsky.social @nytimes.com 👇🏼
SCOOP: Freedom 250 — the group launched by Trump to oversee projects including the @UFC fight on the WH lawn & his arch overlooking DC — is offering access to him for donors who give $1M.
For $2.5M, donors are being offered the chance to speak at the national July 4 celebration. 🎁🔗
For $2.5M, donors are being offered the chance to speak at the national July 4 celebration. 🎁🔗
For $1 Million, Donors to U.S.A. Birthday Group Offered Access to Trump
www.nytimes.com
February 8, 2026 at 6:51 PM
Yet another new frontier for big-money special interest to curry favor with the Trump administration, via @kenvogel.bsky.social @nytimes.com 👇🏼
Reposted by Michael Beckel
Britain has dethroned a prince, forced Mandelson to resign, & lost confidence in Starmer because Rep. Thomas Massie & I forced the release of the Epstein files.
What is America doing to hold the Epstein class accountable?
We need to haul these powerful men before Congress.
What is America doing to hold the Epstein class accountable?
We need to haul these powerful men before Congress.
February 6, 2026 at 5:28 PM
Britain has dethroned a prince, forced Mandelson to resign, & lost confidence in Starmer because Rep. Thomas Massie & I forced the release of the Epstein files.
What is America doing to hold the Epstein class accountable?
We need to haul these powerful men before Congress.
What is America doing to hold the Epstein class accountable?
We need to haul these powerful men before Congress.
How exciting! @issueonereform.bsky.social on the front page of the Independent Record today in Helena, Montana:
"Montana saw a 45% turnover in election officials. A new study says hostility is to blame"
helenair.com/news/state-r...
"Montana saw a 45% turnover in election officials. A new study says hostility is to blame"
helenair.com/news/state-r...
February 7, 2026 at 4:32 PM
How exciting! @issueonereform.bsky.social on the front page of the Independent Record today in Helena, Montana:
"Montana saw a 45% turnover in election officials. A new study says hostility is to blame"
helenair.com/news/state-r...
"Montana saw a 45% turnover in election officials. A new study says hostility is to blame"
helenair.com/news/state-r...
Reposted by Michael Beckel
“Trump laying groundwork to contest 2026 results, election experts warn” electionlawblog.org?p=154173
"Trump laying groundwork to contest 2026 results, election experts warn" #ELB
MS NOW: Last week, the FBI raided election offices in Fulton County, Georgia, searching for ballots that would prove fraud in the 2020 election. On hand was Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gab...
electionlawblog.org
February 6, 2026 at 3:41 PM
“Trump laying groundwork to contest 2026 results, election experts warn” electionlawblog.org?p=154173
Reposted by Michael Beckel
Trump's fundraiser's firm became the top lobbying shop in D.C. and set a new revenue record, raking in millions from foreign clients. We took a close look at who they are (including some previously unreported details) and their wins from Trump's administration.
Foreign Interests Are Paying Millions to a Trump-Linked Lobbying Firm
Ballard Partners’ foreign-interest lobbying business has boomed since Trump took office, signing up new clients from Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Albania, Uzbekistan, and more.
readsludge.com
February 6, 2026 at 2:40 PM
Trump's fundraiser's firm became the top lobbying shop in D.C. and set a new revenue record, raking in millions from foreign clients. We took a close look at who they are (including some previously unreported details) and their wins from Trump's administration.
in interview w/ @marshallglasses.bsky.social @kylec.bsky.social, Republican Matt Crane called on CO's GOP congressional delegation to defend state election authority:
"Be good, solid, conservative Republicans and stand up for states' rights & for what we do here"
www.9news.com/article/news...
"Be good, solid, conservative Republicans and stand up for states' rights & for what we do here"
www.9news.com/article/news...
Republican election expert pushes back on Trump's call to federalize elections
The president's call for Republicans to "nationalize" elections and use ICE at polling places has sparked backlash and raised concerns over voter suppression.
www.9news.com
February 5, 2026 at 3:36 PM
in interview w/ @marshallglasses.bsky.social @kylec.bsky.social, Republican Matt Crane called on CO's GOP congressional delegation to defend state election authority:
"Be good, solid, conservative Republicans and stand up for states' rights & for what we do here"
www.9news.com/article/news...
"Be good, solid, conservative Republicans and stand up for states' rights & for what we do here"
www.9news.com/article/news...
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Exclusive: The top Democrat on a House committee overseeing U.S.-China competition has launched a probe into a $500 million investment by an Abu Dhabi royal in a Trump family cryptocurrency company.
Exclusive | Top Democrat Launches Probe into “Spy Sheikh” Deal with Trump Company
More than a dozen Democrats have condemned the company’s decision to accept an investment by Abu Dhabi royal.
on.wsj.com
February 5, 2026 at 3:32 AM
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What could Trump and his allies gain from selling a fast track to legal status to wealthy foreigners?
Foreign nationals are prohibited from making political contributions to candidates, parties, PACs, and super PACs — but not if they are green card holders 🤔💰
Foreign nationals are prohibited from making political contributions to candidates, parties, PACs, and super PACs — but not if they are green card holders 🤔💰
Trump's "Gold Card" scheme sells visas to the highest bidder!
What happened to the land of opportunity?
It's not just unAmerican, it's ILLEGAL
One rule for working families ... Another for oligarchs
More👇 on why this case matters -TN
What happened to the land of opportunity?
It's not just unAmerican, it's ILLEGAL
One rule for working families ... Another for oligarchs
More👇 on why this case matters -TN
Trump administration sued over $1M ‘Gold Card’ visa scheme
Trump created an illegal ‘fast lane’ for wealthy foreigners at the expense of qualified immigrants who followed the rules, lawyers say
www.independent.co.uk
February 5, 2026 at 3:30 AM
What could Trump and his allies gain from selling a fast track to legal status to wealthy foreigners?
Foreign nationals are prohibited from making political contributions to candidates, parties, PACs, and super PACs — but not if they are green card holders 🤔💰
Foreign nationals are prohibited from making political contributions to candidates, parties, PACs, and super PACs — but not if they are green card holders 🤔💰
Last month, officials at @protectdemocracy.org made clear in a @denverpost.com op-ed why @colorado.gov Gov. Jared Polis should not pardon or grant clemency to election denier Tina Peters, arguing such a move would only invite more lawbreaking in Colorado & beyond. www.denverpost.com/2026/01/15/t...
February 3, 2026 at 10:20 PM
Last month, officials at @protectdemocracy.org made clear in a @denverpost.com op-ed why @colorado.gov Gov. Jared Polis should not pardon or grant clemency to election denier Tina Peters, arguing such a move would only invite more lawbreaking in Colorado & beyond. www.denverpost.com/2026/01/15/t...
Reposted by Michael Beckel
NV's ex-GOP Gov. Brian Sandoval and ex Dem Speaker Richard Perkins respond to Trump's dangerous suggestion elections should be nationalized, which he will try to use to affect 2026 balloting. Good for them and sign of the times others are ignoring this unconstitutional gambit.
February 3, 2026 at 7:33 PM
NV's ex-GOP Gov. Brian Sandoval and ex Dem Speaker Richard Perkins respond to Trump's dangerous suggestion elections should be nationalized, which he will try to use to affect 2026 balloting. Good for them and sign of the times others are ignoring this unconstitutional gambit.
High turnover rates among election officials are alarm bells we cannot ignore.
Lawmakers and policymakers across the country at every level of government can help alleviate the effects of this alarming trend.
Learn more from @issueonereform.bsky.social
issueone.org/articles/tur...
Lawmakers and policymakers across the country at every level of government can help alleviate the effects of this alarming trend.
Learn more from @issueonereform.bsky.social
issueone.org/articles/tur...
Turning the Tide on Turnover
Understanding and mitigating election official turnover to build election workforce resiliency.
issueone.org
February 3, 2026 at 5:29 PM
High turnover rates among election officials are alarm bells we cannot ignore.
Lawmakers and policymakers across the country at every level of government can help alleviate the effects of this alarming trend.
Learn more from @issueonereform.bsky.social
issueone.org/articles/tur...
Lawmakers and policymakers across the country at every level of government can help alleviate the effects of this alarming trend.
Learn more from @issueonereform.bsky.social
issueone.org/articles/tur...
"Alarm over Trump-fueled election threats as 'under siege' officials leave in droves" reports @rawstory.com about new @issueonereform.bsky.social report www.rawstory.com/raw-investig...
Alarm over Trump-fueled election threats as 'under siege' officials leave in droves
In the first election Amy Burgans fully oversaw as clerk-treasurer for Douglas County, Nevada, she received a death threat.It was 2022. Someone returned their mail-in ballot with “crazy talk” written ...
www.rawstory.com
February 3, 2026 at 4:31 PM
"Alarm over Trump-fueled election threats as 'under siege' officials leave in droves" reports @rawstory.com about new @issueonereform.bsky.social report www.rawstory.com/raw-investig...
New @issueonereform.bsky.social deep-dive reveals a troubling trend: 50% of chief local election officials in Western states have left their jobs since Nov. 2020.
Election officials are unsung heroes of our democracy. They need additional support now more than ever
issueone.org/articles/tur...
Election officials are unsung heroes of our democracy. They need additional support now more than ever
issueone.org/articles/tur...
Turning the Tide on Turnover
Understanding and mitigating election official turnover to build election workforce resiliency.
issueone.org
February 3, 2026 at 3:23 PM
New @issueonereform.bsky.social deep-dive reveals a troubling trend: 50% of chief local election officials in Western states have left their jobs since Nov. 2020.
Election officials are unsung heroes of our democracy. They need additional support now more than ever
issueone.org/articles/tur...
Election officials are unsung heroes of our democracy. They need additional support now more than ever
issueone.org/articles/tur...
Got questions about how voter rolls are managed in Wisconsin? @alexandershur.bsky.social @votebeat.org has answers 👇
@alexandershur.bsky.social will answer your questions about how voter rolls are managed in his newsletter on Thursday. Reply below so he can see them!
www.votebeat.org/wisconsin/20...
www.votebeat.org/wisconsin/20...
February 3, 2026 at 12:22 AM
Got questions about how voter rolls are managed in Wisconsin? @alexandershur.bsky.social @votebeat.org has answers 👇
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NEW: Vantive Health, which has been pushing the Trump administration to allow more Medicare reimbursements for at-home dialysis, reported a $2.5M donation to the Trust for the National Mall for Trump's WH ballroom project, listing it as "Honorary Expenses." lda.senate.gov/filings/publ...
February 3, 2026 at 12:01 AM
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Reposted by Michael Beckel
Super PACs for the crypto and AI industry, as well as AIPAC's group, are sitting on massive war chests for 2026 midterms. Cash on hand, according to new disclosures:
Crypto, AI, and AIPAC Set up to Smash Super PAC Spending Records
The groups are sitting on massive war chests for 2026 midterms, according to new disclosures.
readsludge.com
February 2, 2026 at 7:09 PM
Super PACs for the crypto and AI industry, as well as AIPAC's group, are sitting on massive war chests for 2026 midterms. Cash on hand, according to new disclosures:
For over a year, @issueonereform.bsky.social has been warning that the second Trump administration is a powder keg of corruption scandals, influence-peddling, and profiteering from public service.
Jaw-dropping new investigation by @wsj.com illustrates why www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
Jaw-dropping new investigation by @wsj.com illustrates why www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
February 2, 2026 at 4:48 PM
For over a year, @issueonereform.bsky.social has been warning that the second Trump administration is a powder keg of corruption scandals, influence-peddling, and profiteering from public service.
Jaw-dropping new investigation by @wsj.com illustrates why www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
Jaw-dropping new investigation by @wsj.com illustrates why www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
Another example of how donors wanting to avoid the spotlight are fueling President Trump's political war chest:
Pro-Trump super PAC MAGA Inc raised $289 million last year.
Pro-Trump dark money group Securing American Greatness alone contributed $21.25 million.
docquery.fec.gov/cgi-bin/form...
Pro-Trump super PAC MAGA Inc raised $289 million last year.
Pro-Trump dark money group Securing American Greatness alone contributed $21.25 million.
docquery.fec.gov/cgi-bin/form...
FEC Disclosure Form 3X for MAGA INC.
docquery.fec.gov
February 2, 2026 at 2:13 PM
Another example of how donors wanting to avoid the spotlight are fueling President Trump's political war chest:
Pro-Trump super PAC MAGA Inc raised $289 million last year.
Pro-Trump dark money group Securing American Greatness alone contributed $21.25 million.
docquery.fec.gov/cgi-bin/form...
Pro-Trump super PAC MAGA Inc raised $289 million last year.
Pro-Trump dark money group Securing American Greatness alone contributed $21.25 million.
docquery.fec.gov/cgi-bin/form...
Billionaire Elon Musk pumped another $2.88 million into his “America PAC” super PAC between July and December 2025, new FEC filing shows
Since January 2025, Musk has now contributed $48 million to this super PAC
docquery.fec.gov/cgi-bin/form...
Since January 2025, Musk has now contributed $48 million to this super PAC
docquery.fec.gov/cgi-bin/form...
FEC Disclosure Form 3X for America PAC
docquery.fec.gov
January 31, 2026 at 4:31 PM
Billionaire Elon Musk pumped another $2.88 million into his “America PAC” super PAC between July and December 2025, new FEC filing shows
Since January 2025, Musk has now contributed $48 million to this super PAC
docquery.fec.gov/cgi-bin/form...
Since January 2025, Musk has now contributed $48 million to this super PAC
docquery.fec.gov/cgi-bin/form...