Defeated progressive ‘Squad’ lawmaker in hot seat for non-profit’s missing paper trail
A former progressive lawmaker from The Squad faces scrutiny over a non-profit she touted for tornado relief. The nonprofit, Poltivist Power Inc., has no IRS tax-exempt filing or 990 record, and appears to have misfiled with Delaware authorities and ActBlue Civics, prompting questions about donor disclosures and fundraising activity. The group’s domain was first registered on April 1, 2025, shortly after a tornado in the St. Louis area, and fundraising emails tied to the organization described it as a 501(c)(4) entity, with disclaimers separating it from a political action committee. Missouri authorities are reviewing potential personal benefit to the former congresswoman, though no charges have been filed. The fallout raises broader concerns about transparency and the line between relief efforts and political fundraising in the post-office period.
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The central figure, a former member of The Squad, faced questions in connection with Poltivist Power Inc., a nonprofit she highlighted for tornado relief work and grassroots organizing.
Fox News Digital identified that Poltivist Power had not produced an IRS Form 990 or established tax-exempt status records, and appeared to have filed incorrect paperwork with Delaware and ActBlue Civics, casting doubt on its formal charitable status.
The organization’s domain, PoltivistPower.com, was first purchased on April 1, 2025, and its creation followed a tornado in the St. Louis area that caused fatalities and significant damage.
Fundraising emails from the former lawmaker described Poltivist Power as a new 501(c)(4) entity and urged donations to a tornado relief fund, while including a disclaimer that contributions were not affiliated with Politivist Action PAC, signaling an attempt to distinguish the nonprofit from political funding.
Missouri Attorney General Catherine L. Hanaway announced an inquiry into whether the former lawmaker personally benefited from fundraising while Poltivist allegedly operated, noting a local news report about funds intended for relief having potential connections to political activity.
Despite the inquiries, no formal charges have been filed, and the lawmaker did not provide comment when approached about donation records, 990 filings, or the nonprofit’s activities.
The case underscores concerns about transparency in post-service fundraising, the risk of misdirected donor funds, and the challenges of separating charitable work from political influence in the contemporary landscape.