Chairwoman Maloney Demands Docs Related to Parler’s Financing, Ties to Foreign Entities

Washington, D.C. (Feb. 8, 2021)—Today, Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, sent a letter demanding information related to Parler's financing and potential ties to foreign entities.

"Since the attacks, numerous Parler users have been arrested and charged for their roles, with the Department of Justice citing in several instances the threats that individuals made through Parler in the days leading up to and following the attack," wrote Chairwoman Maloney. "Individuals with ties to the January 6 assault should not—and must not—be allowed to hide behind the veil of anonymity provided by shell companies."

Parler reportedly allowed Russian disinformation to flourish on its platform prior to the November 2020 election, facilitating Russia's campaign to sow chaos in the American electorate. Although similar disinformation was removed by other social media platforms, it was allowed to remain on Parler. When U.S. hosting services cut ties with Parler for repeatedly failing to moderate content advocating violence, Parler re-emerged on a Russian hosting service, DDos-Guard, which has ties to the Russian government and counts the Russian Ministry of Defense as one of its clients.

A recent analysis by USA Today shows a strong connection between President Trump's speech at the January 6 rally and a significant uptick in calls for violence on Parler.

According to a recent press report, the "Trump Organization negotiated on behalf of then-president Donald Trump to make Parler his primary social network, but it had a condition: an ownership stake in return for joining." These negotiations reportedly occurred while former President Trump was still in office, which experts have warned raise legal concerns regarding anti-bribery laws. Parler reportedly offered President Trump a 40% ownership stake, but the negotiations "were ultimately derailed by the events of January 6."

The Committee requested documents related to Parler's finances and ties to foreign entities by February 22, 2021.

Click here to read today's letter.