This is a special edition of the Snopes newsletter. Today, we're investigating a persistent rumor claiming Trump's 2020 presidential campaign supported Jan. 6 rioters by paying for their flights, hotels and more.
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Did the Trump campaign cover hotels, flights and more for Jan. 6 rioters?
For several years, rumors have swirled that Donald Trump's 2020 presidential campaign supported rioters at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, by paying for their flights, hotels and more.
The claim recently resurfaced after former Special Counsel Jack Smith testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee, bringing renewed public attention to the evidence he gathered during his investigation.
Documents unsealed from Smith’s probe include a $3 million proposed budget for a rally preceding the Capitol riot. According to the files, these funds would be funneled through various political advocacy organizations referred to as "dark money" groups.
In our latest investigation for members, we followed the money to answer three key questions:
Was the Trump campaign behind these millions — or was it another wealthy donor?
Which "dark money" groups were involved, and how were they tied to Trump — if at all?
What was the money actually earmarked for?
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