Lincoln ProjectEdit

The Lincoln Project is a political action committee founded in late 2019 by veteran Republican strategists and donors who argued that the presidency of Donald Trump posed a fundamental threat to the party’s traditional conservative commitments and to the constitutional order. Emphasizing governance, national security, and institutional norms, the group mobilized similar-minded conservatives and independents to influence the 2020 election and the broader political discourse by running aggressive advertisements and coordinating messaging aimed at persuading suburban and swing voters.

From its outset, the Lincoln Project presented itself as a pragmatic, issue-oriented counterweight to populist tendencies within the party. It grouped together longtime Republicans who believed that the party’s credibility depended on reasserting discipline, fiscal responsibility, and respect for the rule of law. The project regularly framed its mission in terms of preserving constitutional processes and a stable transfer of power, rather than simply opposing one man. Its leadership, including public figures such as Steve Schmidt and George Conway and Rick Wilson, sought to translate that philosophy into a high-profile media operation and a broad coalition. The Lincoln Project also coordinated with other anti-Trump groups and relied on a rapid-response infrastructure to keep pressure on Trump and his allies in both the White House and Congress. The campaign benefited from broad media attention and data-driven outreach, and it drew on the experience of its founders in Republican Party (United States) politics and national campaigns. See also United States presidential election, 2020 for the electoral environment in which the group operated.

History

Founding and early aims

The Lincoln Project was launched in December 2019 by a core group of ex-Republican strategists and operatives who argued that Trump’s approach violated core conservative principles and endangered institutional norms. Key figures included Steve Schmidt, George Conway, Rick Wilson, and John Weaver among others. The organization presented itself as defending the republic by urging voters to reject Trump in the 2020 cycle and by challenging the GOP to return to its traditional governing philosophy. See Donald Trump and Joe Biden in the context of the 2020 race.

Campaign activities in 2020

Throughout the 2020 campaign, the Lincoln Project produced a suite of advertisements and digital videos designed to appeal to suburban voters, independents, and disaffected Republicans. The ads stressed character, competence, and governance rather than mere party allegiance, and they aimed to shift public perception of Trump’s fitness for office. The group also sought to influence the broader political conversation by endorsing or amplifying conversations about accountability, constitutional checks and balances, and national security considerations. See The Lincoln Project and United States presidential election, 2020 for related material.

Post-election phase and organizational evolution

After the 2020 election, the Lincoln Project continued operations, expanding its footprint in political advertising and media messaging. Its activities were accompanied by internal reorganizations and public discussions about governance, fundraising, and leadership structure. The group also engaged with ongoing debates about the proper role of nonparty committees in shaping party direction and policy discourse. See Conservatism and Political action committee for broader context.

Activities and strategy

Advertising and messaging

A central feature of the Lincoln Project’s strategy was high-visibility ads that argued for accountability and constitutional norms. The messaging tended to emphasize the dangers of leadership that undermined institutions and the importance of a peaceful, lawful transfer of power. The approach relied on data-driven targeting of key voter segments and aggressive media deployment to shape perceptions of Trump’s presidency and its consequences for the country. See Advertising and United States presidential election, 2020 for related topics.

Alliances and outreach

In addition to its own campaigns, the Lincoln Project sought to build coalitions with other groups sharing similar concerns about governance and constitutional integrity. The aim was to broaden the conservative case for principled governance and to reach voters who might be receptive to a more traditional, less combative form of political engagement. See Coalition (politics) and Conservatism for broader frameworks.

Fundraising and governance

The organization raised substantial sums from donors attracted by its stated mission and high-profile leadership. As with any large political network, questions and scrutiny about fundraising practices, governance, and the allocation of donor resources surfaced in public reporting and commentary. See Political action committee for structural context.

Controversies and debates

Allegations of misconduct and governance concerns

The Lincoln Project has faced internal controversy related to governance and culture within the organization, including public scrutiny of its leadership and personnel practices. In addition, co-founders and collaborators have had to respond to questions about accountability and transparency in how the group operates. Supporters argue that the core mission—defending constitutional norms—remains valid, while critics contend that organizational culture and decision-making can undermine credibility. See John Weaver for background on one of the principal figures involved and Steve Schmidt for broader leadership history.

Financial practices and donor oversight

Like many large political committees, the Lincoln Project has been subject to questions about how donors’ funds are used and how spending aligns with stated goals. Proponents say the organization used its resources to influence public opinion and elections in ways aligned with its constitutional-conservatism frame, while skeptics argue that governance gaps or misaligned incentives can affect outcomes and accountability. See Political action committee for structural considerations.

Strategic debates and criticisms

Within the broader conservative and political commentary ecosystems, the Lincoln Project has sparked various debates over strategy, effectiveness, and legitimacy. Proponents maintain that highlighting dangers to democratic norms and the rule of law is a legitimate, necessary function of the political process, while opponents suggest that certain tactics can be counterproductive to party unity or political credibility. Critics from other parts of the political spectrum also challenge the group’s motives, framing its efforts as more about branding and positioning than about policy substance. See Donald Trump and Conservatism for related frameworks.

Woke criticism and its targets

Some observers label the Lincoln Project as adopting or provoking arguments that appeal to a politically correct or “woke” frame in ways that critics say are misapplied. From a perspective that prioritizes constitutional governance and pragmatic governance over identity signals, such criticism is often dismissed as a distraction from the central issue: whether leadership and institutions can function under a rule-of-law framework. The defense commonly offered is that focusing on character, competence, and constitutional safeguards is a legitimate conservative priority, not a departure from it.