National

Republican candidates might have to beef up grassroots fundraising operations to qualify for the first 2024 presidential primary debate, Axios has learned.

Driving the news: The Republican National Committee is planning to mimic a Democratic tactic in 2020, requiring a certain number of unique individual donors to get a spot on the debate stage, according to a source familiar with the discussions.

Discussions are ongoing about the precise number of donors to require, though internal talks have floated 40,000 and 50,000 as potential thresholds and the source said the numbers could change prior to an RNC vote in February. 

Zoom out: The donor requirement for Democratic presidential candidates — initially 65,000, and rising with each debate — provided a huge boost to the party's grassroots fundraising operation.

It brought in a substantial number of new donors as campaigns poured resources into "prospecting" for financial supporters.

Republicans have been desperately searching for ways to expand their small dollar donor base, and fundraising pros say the debate requirement could be an effective tool.

What they're saying: "This is a smart move by the RNC," Republican digital strategist Eric Wilson told Axios.

"The data shows the new donors our candidates bring into the party will benefit Republicans up and down the ballot cycle over cycle."

Between the lines: Nearly twice as many people donated to Democrats compared to Republicans in the 2020 cycle, according to a report this month from Wilson's group, the Center for Campaign Innovation.

The report partially credited the Democratic debate requirement, saying it "helped drive an increase in volume of donors."

The bottom line: For months, Republicans have warned the party is burning out its grassroots donor pool without building adequate inroads with new contributors, potentially stagnating its financial base.

Former President Trump's grassroots fundraising success is unrivaled on the Republican side, but his unique core of committed supporters means that success is hard to replicate — and could actively handicap 2024 rivals.

Candidates without his robust base of financial supporters risk being dramatically outspent.

Scoop: GOP considers copying powerful Dem donor tactic

Republican candidates might have to beef up grassroots fundraising operations.

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2024 presidential election

Politics & Policy

The FBI is using ads on Facebook to seek out Chinese language speakers in the U.S. who have been harassed or digitally stalked by malicious Chinese government actors, Axios has learned.

Why it matters: It's the latest step in a months-long effort to root out what law enforcement calls "transnational repression" by Beijing. Over the last year, the FBI has arrested or charged a host of U.S. residents and Chinese intelligence officials as part of a nationwide crackdown.

What's happening: In a pair of Mandarin-language ads targeted at Philadelphia-area Facebook users, the FBI is asking anyone who's been targeted by cyberstalking, physical or digital harassment, assault or extortion to contact the bureau's Philadelphia field office.

The ads specifically seek anyone who's experienced that sort of harassment on the Chinese social media platform WeChat.

"You may be a victim of transnational repression by the Chinese government," the ads warn.

The intrigue: It's not clear why the ads targeted the Philadelphia area specifically.

In an emailed statement, the FBI told Axios it "addresses transnational threat issues in many ways, to include social media ads, threat intimidation guides in multiple different languages, and on our website at fbi.gov."

"Many victims are not aware transnational repression is illegal. As a result, the FBI strives to educate communities about TNR, the methods used, and how to report to the FBI."

The big picture: The Chinese government exerts influence abroad in part by targeting expat dissidents among the country's large global diaspora.

Recent efforts in the U.S. have targeted pro-democracy and human rights activists and members of ethnic and religious minorities persecuted in China.

Between the lines: The U.S. has stepped up efforts to combat those Chinese government efforts since last year.

The Justice Department last month charged a Boston student with felony stalking over his alleged campaign of harassment against a fellow Chinese student who posted pro-democracy flyers on campus.

In October, DOJ charged 13 individuals, including a number of U.S. residents allegedly acting at the behest of Chinese security officials, over a widespread scheme of illicit influence and harassment aimed at repatriating ostensible Chinese fugitives in the U.S.

Earlier last year, DOJ charged five individuals with running a campaign of intimidation and harassment aimed at Chinese dissidents in the U.S., including a congressional candidate.

The State Department has imposed visa restrictions on Chinese officials aiding transnational repression efforts in the U.S.

FBI seeks victims of China's overseas pressure campaign

Illustration of a person behind a laptop screen with numerous cursors surrounding them and pointed towards their head.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

China

The FBI is using ads on Facebook to seek out Chinese language speakers in the U.S. who have been harassed or digitally stalked by malicious Chinese government actors, Axios has learned.Why it matters: It&#x27;s the latest step in a months-long effort to root out what law enforcement calls &quot;transnational repression&quot; by Beijing. Over the last year, the FBI has arrested or charged a host of U.S. residents and Chinese intelligence officials as part of a nationwide crackdown.

From the Valley to D.C., Big Tech players like Facebook, Google and Amazon are under more scrutiny than ever as new technology develops and privacy and antitrust concerns grow in lockstep with companies’ ambitions.

Technology

China is becoming the most formidable rival America has faced, and the risk of confrontation with Russia, North Korea or Iran still looms. Authoritarians are rising, the chaotic Afghanistan exit revealed the limits of U.S. power, and the pandemic, climate change and other critical challenges continue to pose grave threats.

World

Former employees of Russian propaganda broadcaster RT America have taken over its old studios in downtown D.C. and are ramping up a new media venture, Axios has learned.

Why it matters: RT was a key node in a Russian-backed media apparatus that U.S. intelligence agencies described as integral to Kremlin foreign influence operations.

Its U.S. broadcasting arm announced it would shut down shortly after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

This week, French authorities seized RT assets in the country, citing EU sanctions over disinformation related to the invasion.

What's happening: Former RT America employee Georgy Zalevskiy formed a new company, GlobalTek LLC, in April 2022, shortly after RT America announced its wind-down. Corporate filings list the address of RT America's old Washington office.

In an interview, Zalevskiy confirmed his company is operating out of those studios.

Zalevskiy described GlobalTek as a technology company that provides broadcast services to clients and does not create any editorial products itself.

He declined to name any GlobalTek clients.

Zalevskiy also would not name any other individuals involved with the company, but confirmed: "Some people who worked for RT America work for GlobalTek."

Between the lines: Job listings show GlobalTek is working to build out a production staff in Washington.

It's currently looking to hire a broadcast engineer, according to online job postings.

An earlier job listing sought an audio operator to "set up, operate and maintain the electronic equipment used to transmit television newscasts."

The intrigue: T&R Productions, RT America's old production company, was forced to register as a foreign agent for its work with RT's Russian parent, ANO TV Novosti.

After RT America's close, Novosti inked a new deal with a U.S. company run by an ex-Atlanta news anchor to air RT content in India, China and South America.

That company, Rebel Media Productions, also registered as a foreign agent, and reported receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars last year to pay former RT America staffers laid off by T&R Productions.

Zalevskiy would not say whether GlobalTek is working with Rebel Media, telling Axios: "I will not comment on that."

Rebel Media has looked to sell additional content to RT as well as state media in China and other countries, according to a booking request email sent to a potential guest last year and obtained by Axios.

The email was sent by Mona Zughbi, a former NBC producer who co-founded the firm Petra Star Media. Its other co-founder was previously an RT booker.

In an email to Axios, Zughbi did not address questions about Rebel Media's or Petra Star's relationship with GlobalTek.

Scoop: Russia state propaganda alums launch new D.C. media venture

Former employees of RT America have taken over its old studios in downtown D.C.

Illustration of a TV flickering between no signal and a Russian flag

Russia

Former employees of Russian propaganda broadcaster RT America have taken over its old studios in downtown D.C. and are ramping up a new media venture, Axios has learned.Why it matters: RT was a key node in a Russian-backed media apparatus that U.S. intelligence agencies described as integral to Kremlin foreign influence operations.

An influential conservative nonprofit led by former Trump chief of staff Mark Meadows is buying up millions of dollars worth of office space on Capitol Hill, records show.

Why it matters: The Conservative Partnership Institute is the backbone of a policy and advocacy apparatus aligned with hard-right legislators such as Reps. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) and Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.).

The real-estate purchases are a sign of the conservative nonprofit’s growing clout — and grandiose plans — as it tries to steer the direction of Republicans' new House majority and prepare for the next GOP administration.

Just this month, several right-wing lawmakers who opposed Rep. Kevin McCarthy's (R-Calif.) bid for speakership — including Gaetz, Reps. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.), Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.), Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) and Scott Perry (R-Pa.) — met at the CPI offices, according to Yahoo News.

Driving the news: CPI completed its most recent purchase early this month: $11.35 million for new space on Pennsylvania Avenue, adjacent to both the Capitol and CPI's headquarters on Independence Avenue, D.C. property records show.

That followed multiple purchases last year on Pennsylvania Avenue and ones on nearby 3rd Street SE and C Street SE, each made in the name of a different LLC.

Also last year, CPI paid more than $7 million for a 14,000-square-foot lodge on more than 2,000 acres near the Maryland shore, according to property records.

The big picture: Led by Meadows and ex-Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.), CPI has incubated or financially supported a number of allied organizations.

Many are run by Trump administration alumni and considered integral to early planning for another potential Trump presidency.

Founded in 2017, CPI has grown substantially in recent years. Its operating budget shot up from $7.1 million in 2020 to more than $45 million the following year, tax records show.

Between the lines: CPI leases some of its office space to the House Freedom Caucus' political arms — the House Freedom Fund and House Freedom Action, Federal Election Commission records show.

Staffers for HFC members and other conservative legislators routinely travel to CPI's Maryland property, where the group hosts training sessions on topics ranging from communications to congressional procedure to investigative tactics.

CPI's offices are designed not just as venues for political strategy and advocacy, but also are places where conservatives can find — in its words — "a sense of community."

"Within our historic building and adjacent properties — just a half mile from the U.S. Capitol — conservatives learn how to resist the lure of the Establishment and be effective in Washington," the group said in its 2021 annual report.

Top Trump-aligned conservative group buys up prime D.C. office space

Holdouts against Speaker Kevin McCarthy met at CPI offices earlier this month.

Illustration of an office building wearing a MAGA hat.

American conservatism

An influential conservative nonprofit led by former Trump chief of staff Mark Meadows is buying up millions of dollars worth of office space on Capitol Hill, records show.Why it matters: The Conservative Partnership Institute is the backbone of a policy and advocacy apparatus aligned with hard-right legislators such as Reps. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) and Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.).

House Republicans leading the fight against Rep. Kevin McCarthy's speaker bid are using the push to help finance their campaigns.

Why it matters: The three-day deadlock has brought the House to a standstill and prevented newly elected members from being sworn in. For some members, though, the fight itself has a financial upside.

What's happening: Multiple McCarthy holdouts have used the fight to raise campaign cash this week.

Rep. Matt Gaetz's (R-Fla.) campaign asked potential donors to "support our fight with critical reinforcements" and in one email dubbed McCarthy "Kiev Kevin."

Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) asked donors "to turbocharge our emergency efforts to break the Establishment." His campaign emails link to a payment processing page that claims "every dollar helps secure the Speaker position."

An email from Rep. Bob Good's (R-Va.) campaign Thursday claimed that McCarthy "spent millions of dollars trying to defeat conservatives in Republican primaries" and closed with a donation plea.

Be smart: It's common for campaigns to peg fundraising appeals to high-salience issues. But these emails are already fueling criticism from McCarthy backers who say they reek of opportunism.

"Just got a fundraising email from [Colorado Rep.] Lauren Boebert," tweeted former Trump budget director and House Freedom Caucus member Mick Mulvaney on Thursday. "Which I assume is what a lot of her NeverKevin stuff is all about."

Outside groups are also getting in on the action.

Ultra MAGA PAC, a group run by ex-Trump aide Corey Lewandowski, sent a fundraising email Thursday that called for McCarthy, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and RNC chair Ronna McDaniel to be replaced.

McCarthy "stopped the Red Wave single-handedly by weighing in on primaries against good MAGA candidates," the email claimed.

Even Democrats are using the fight in their fundraising efforts.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has sent a handful of fundraising emails this week under the name of Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), Democrats' presumptive House leader.

"Republicans have fallen into complete chaos," one email Wednesday declared. "Will you help me prove that grassroots Democrats can get more support than Republicans in these first hours of the new Republican House?"

GOP rebels cash in on McCarthy misery

Matt Gaetz's campaign asked potential donors to "support our fight with critical reinforcements."

House Republicans

<figure><img alt="Gaetz fundraising email" height="1080" id="8d59cfd3-5594-4c3b-a4cd-1ccb7c01f51a" src="https://images.axios.com/8KeKvJ94a7zM4I6Vc3p9rQtMtD8=/2023/01/05/1672952193916.png" width="1920"/><figcaption>A Gaetz fundraising email.</figcaption></figure>House Republicans leading the fight against Rep. Kevin McCarthy&#x27;s speaker bid are using the push to help finance their campaigns.Why it matters: The three-day deadlock has brought the House to a standstill and prevented newly elected members from being sworn in. For some members, though, the fight itself has a financial upside.

Lachlan Markay

Stories

Scoop: GOP considers copying powerful Dem donor tactic

Scoop: Russia state propaganda alums launch new D.C. media venture

Top Trump-aligned conservative group buys up prime D.C. office space

FBI seeks victims of China's overseas pressure campaign

GOP rebels cash in on McCarthy misery