Two former Lincoln Project interns presented ominous text messages that they allegedly received from co-founder John Weaver.
Weaver allegedly attacked Alex Johnson, a veteran of the University of Texas at Austin, and Charlie Stephens, who studies at Louisiana State University last year, while recruiting them as interns for his anti-Donald Trump super PAC.
“I would like to put you in touch with some of our parents,” Weaver wrote to Johnson in April, the student told New York Magazine.
Fifteen minutes later, Weaver allegedly added, “In [your] walk, think about loving a great c – ke to have your loved one and you surrounded until you beg! “
On phone calls, Weaver also tried to initiate phone sex, Johnson said.
“We were talking about the Lincoln Project, and maybe getting involved, and of course I find that incredible. I’m like, ‘Oh, yes, that would be great!’ ”Said Johnson. “Then he asked me, ‘When was the last time you masturbated?'”
After Johnson interned at the Lincoln Project, Weaver continued with the scary messages: “Are you at the top, at the bottom and vice versa?” he asked.
“His messages never stopped. And I would play along, just to be cool, ”explained Johnson. “Because I knew, I mean, he is important. As if he had the strings. And we operate in the same kind of political culture as being ‘Never Trumpers’. “
Weaver also reportedly started attacking Stephens, then 19, in June, when he texted him on Twitter to ask if he or any “colleague” would be interested in an internship “to help kick Trump and against Republican representatives of the Senate. ”
When Stephens responded a week later saying that he had formally applied, Weaver allegedly wrote back: “You are a stud!”
Stephens replied that this was “a great compliment,” to which Weaver replied, “Take it! Hell, you may as well be;). “
On Thursday, The Associated Press reported that Project Lincoln leaders were informed in writing and called of at least 10 specific allegations of harassment against Weaver as early as June.
The revelation questions the organization’s statement last month that it was “shocked” when the charges against Weaver were made public.
The Lincoln Project – best known for raising millions to finance the “Never Trump” movement – announced plans on Thursday to launch an outside investigation into Weaver’s mandate.
“The Lincoln Project believes that the members of our movement and the victims of John Weaver’s despicable and deceptive behavior are due to the facts, and you will have them,” the organization said in a statement. “John Weaver has betrayed us all and you deserve the facts presented independently through a transparent process.”
Co-founder Steve Schmidt also dismissed the group’s claim that it was never aware of internal claims involving Weaver.
The group also asked anyone with a confidentiality agreement to contact them “for a release”.
Weaver, who is married and has two children, resigned last month and apologized for his actions after his alleged misconduct emerged, saying he is struggling to accept that he is gay.
“For the men I made uncomfortable with my messages, who at the time considered consensual mutual conversations: I’m sorry,” he wrote. “They were inadequate and it was because of my failures that this discomfort was caused to you.”