The Rockbridge Network is a conservative political advocacy group founded by JD Vance and Chris Buskirk.
| Formation | 2019 |
|---|---|
| Founders | JD Vance and Chris Buskirk |
| Purpose | Political advocacy |
History
editThe Rockbridge Network was founded in 2019 by JD Vance and Chris Buskirk.[1]
The group was first reported on in 2022 by The New York Times. The Network held a meeting at Mar-a-Lago in 2022.[2] Backed by Silicon Valley investors, it became known for its connections to tech investors and its support of Donald Trump's nationalist agenda.[3]
The network has a significant budget for the 2024 U.S. elections.[3] In April 2024 Donald Trump called in to a meeting the group was hosting at Mar-a-Lago.[1] James Blair, political director for the Trump campaign, and Donald Trump Jr. have also spoken to the group.[4][5]
Purpose
editThe group describes itself as a "political venture capital firm.”[2]
The Rockbridge Network aims to influence U.S. politics by supporting right-wing media, voter turnout efforts, and election polling.[3]
Donors
editThe group is backed by Silicon Valley figures, including some without a history of political giving. Other funds come from traditional Republican donors looking for new innovative organizations to give to.[1] Major donors include Peter Thiel and Rebekah Mercer.[6] Vance and Thiel have a long history of working together with Thiel backing many of Vance's commercial and political ventures.[7] As of 2023, the group had approximately 125 members.[5]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c Burns, Dasha (24 April 2024). "Secretive conservative donor group meets to draw up 2024 plans — with a call-in from Trump". NBC News. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
- ^ a b Mac, Ryan; Goldmacher, Shane; Vogel, Kenneth P. (6 April 2022). "Dissatisfied With Their Party, Wealthy Republican Donors Form Secret Coalitions". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 2022-04-06. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
- ^ a b c Ulmer, Alexandra; Roston, Aram (20 August 2024). "Tech donor network co-founded by JD Vance seeks to push America to the right". Reuters. Retrieved 2024-08-21.
- ^ Isenstadt, Alex (26 April 2024). "Trump camp plans sit-down with outside groups after FEC relaxes coordination rules". Politico. Archived from the original on 2024-05-07. Retrieved 25 August 2024.
- ^ a b Vogel, Kenneth P.; Schleifer, Theodore (2024-07-31). "Facing Harris's Momentum, Trump Allies Plan $45 Million Ground Game". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on 2024-07-31. Retrieved 2024-08-25.
- ^ Kelly, Makena (7 April 2022). "Secret Republican group budgets millions for media and influencer programs". The Verge. Vox Media. Archived from the original on 2022-04-07. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
- ^ Mac, Ryan; Schleifer, Theodore (17 July 2024). "How a Network of Tech Billionaires Helped J.D. Vance Leap Into Power". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 2024-07-17. Retrieved 25 August 2024.