As reported by the New York Times, Americans for Public Trust has filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) against President Joe Biden for running for reelection without formally declaring himself a candidate and filing a Statement of Candidacy. The complaint also asks the FEC to impose appropriate sanctions for any and all violations and to ensure future compliance with federal law.
Under federal law and FEC regulations, candidates who meet certain thresholds must file a Statement of Candidacy. President Biden has triggered candidacy with the FEC by spending at least $5,000 – mostly on outreach to voters — and allowing staff to confirm he’s running, privately deciding to run, and planning for a future campaign launch.
In late June, Vice President Kamala Harris openly stated, “Joe Biden is running for reelection and I will be his ticket mate. Full stop. That’s it.” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre also said in June that Mr. Biden was “running for re-election.”
Without officially filing for reelection, President Biden is allowed to run a “shadow campaign,” using taxpayer money to conduct what in essence are political activities under the guise of official travel.
“It is very clear that President Biden meets the requirements of a candidate who needs to file with the FEC,”said Caitlin Sutherland, Executive Director of Americans for Public Trust. “I encourage the FEC to investigate immediately to prevent taxpayers from further subsidizing Biden’s reelection campaign.”
President Biden has triggered candidacy with the FEC by spending at least $5,000 and allowing staff to confirm he’s running, privately deciding to run, and planning for a future campaign launch. The complaint asks the FEC to impose appropriate sanctions for any and all violations and to ensure future compliance with federal law.
Click here to read the full complaint.
###
Americans for Public Trust is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to holding politicians and political groups accountable.
