Wayne LaPierre spent hundreds of thousands from NRA funds on suits and travel, leaked documents show
The NRA does not deny the documents' authenticity
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Leaked documents appear to reveal the lavish spending of the National Rifle Association's chief executive Wayne LaPierre, who received luxury clothing and travel expenses paid for by the lobby group's longtime advertising firm Ackerman McQueen.
A memo from the firm claims it spent $542,000 (£415,000) of the NRA's money, which largely comes from contributions and membership fees, on expenses for Mr LaPierre over a 13-year period.
The documents also show that the pro-gun organisation amassed more than $24m in legal fees to an outside counsel, Bill Brewer, over the last year alone, in what former president Oliver North described as an "existential threat to the financial stability of the NRA".
In a statement, the NRA did not deny the authenticity of the documents. It admitted they came from a new leak and called it "pathetic" that someone would pass such information to the media, while at the same time attempting to dismiss it as "stale news".
Mr LaPierre's expenses have previously been reported on, but this is the first time the specific figures have been revealed, according to the Wall Street Journal. They include $275,000 spent at a suit store, and $265,000 on travel.
Last month, the NRA sued Ackerman McQueen for documents regarding its expenses and bills. The Daily Beast reported that dozens of board members have had access to the documents, and that they could contain further embarrassing revelations.
The leaks are the latest in a string of setbacks for the NRA, including a widely publicised battle with New York State, where the association is based, and which the president has weighed in on.
In a statement, the new NRA president Carolyn Meadows said: “This is stale news—being recycled by those with personal agendas.
“In any event, the entire board is fully aware of these issues. We have full confidence in Wayne LaPierre and the work he’s doing in support of the NRA and its members. It is troubling and a bit pathetic that some people would resort to leaking information to advance their agendas. This has no bearing on the board’s support of Wayne—and the work the NRA does to protect America’s constitutional freedoms.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments