Republican vice-presidential nominee JD Vance may have violated tax and election laws through his participation in a Christian revival tour organized by right-wing groups, according to experts. On September 28, Vance attended a campaign event in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, coordinated with the Courage Tour, which hosts rallies in swing states. These events, led by pro-Trump Christian influencer Lance Wallnau, integrate prayer, speakers, and voter engagement workshops.
Financial support for the Courage Tour comes from Ziklag, a discreet organization of affluent Christians. Documented financial documents reveal Ziklag’s intent to allocate $700,000 in 2024 to rally Christian voters, led by Wallnau. Prior reports from ProPublica indicate that tax specialists had already speculated that Ziklag’s planned activities might infringe on tax laws. The event featuring Vance has intensified suspicions regarding whether a tax-exempt charity improperly assisted the Trump-Vance campaign.
Records from Texas identify Lance Wallnau Ministries Inc. as the charity operating the Courage Tour, which has held five events this year, with Vance being the sole high-profile candidate involved. Wallnau, who has made controversial statements about Vice President Kamala Harris, is also an advisor to Ziklag, which aims to empower conservative Christians within key societal sectors.
During the event, Vance’s segment was advertised as unrelated to the Courage Tour, even though it transpired at the same venue and under similar circumstances. Promotional materials appeared to merge the Courage Tour and Vance appearances, which experts indicate could present legal risks for Wallnau, the Courage Tour, and Ziklag due to potential noncompliance with tax regulations dictated by the IRS for 501(c)(3) organizations.
The Courage Tour’s internal documents describe plans to influence the 2024 election through large-scale rallies targeting crucial swing state counties. Changing the tour’s name from “Fire and Glory” to “Courage Tour,” Wallnau aimed to distance it from religious connotations.
Legal experts argue that the interwoven nature of the charity-funded event with political campaigning might infringe on IRS rules against campaign interventions by charitable entities. Furthermore, they highlight the potential legal issues concerning whether the charitable organization bore costs related to Vance’s appearance.
Historical precedents exist where the IRS has addressed similar violations by religious groups engaged in political activities, such as in the case of televangelist Jimmy Swaggart endorsing a presidential candidate in the 1980s. The IRS determined such actions constituted illegal political intervention.
Questions arise regarding any financial backing for Vance’s appearance from charitable funds, which could be considered an in-kind contribution, a violation of election laws that forbid corporations, including nonprofit entities, from contributing to political campaigns.
Neither Ziklag, Wallnau, nor Vance’s campaign responded to requests for comments on the situation.
