More of the Lincoln Project’s founders are trying to distance themselves from the organization, after it was reported that several members knew about the allegations of sexual harassment against co-founder John Weaver for several months.
Dozens of young men have accused Weaver of using his position to sexually harass and exploit them, and several Lincoln Project members — including co-founder Steve Schmidt — knew about these allegations, according to reports. He has denied that claim.
On Tuesday a couple more political consultants tied to the organization said it’s time to abandon the project.
Kurt Bardella, a senior adviser to the organization, and co-founder George Conway, both called for the project to be shut down.
It’s a shame, and we shouldn’t forget the hard work of so many people and the positive things the organization did, but yes, I think this is right. https://t.co/To9dKcrigm
— George Conway (@gtconway3d) February 16, 2021
Schmidt, who worked for former President George W. Bush and the late Sen. John McCain, announced earlier this week he was stepping down from the Lincoln Project in a bizarre apology that did not explain whether he knew about Weaver’s behavior.
“My purpose in writing this isn’t to express what and when I knew about John Weaver, but how I feel about him, what he did and how many people he hurt,” Schmidt wrote. “This is my truth.”
“I am resigning my seat on the Lincoln Project board to make room for the appointment of a female board member as the first step to reform and professionalize the Lincoln Project,” he wrote.
It was reported this week that Schmidt was one of the Lincoln Project members who knew about the allegations against Weaver as early as March of 2020.
