This article is made possible through Spotlight PA’s partnership with NOTUS, a nonpartisan news organization that covers government and politics with the fresh eyes of early career journalists and the expertise of veteran reporters.
Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-Pennsylvania) returned a donation to a man convicted of fraud in connection with the Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal following reporting that President Donald Trump pardoned him just three days after the contribution.
NOTUS reported Wednesday that Adam Kidan donated $2,600 to Mackenzie’s leadership PAC on June 30, according to Federal Election Commission records. Trump had traveled to Mackenzie’s district on June 23 to campaign alongside the congressman. Trump pardoned Kidan on July 3.
Mackenzie’s returned donation was first reported by The Morning Call.
A spokesperson for Mackenzie did not immediately respond to requests for comment from NOTUS about returning the contribution but told The Morning Call that the congressman returned the donation “to avoid even an appearance of impropriety.”
Arnaud Armstrong, a spokesperson for Mackenzie, previously told NOTUS that Mackenzie “has never advocated for a pardon from the President on anyone’s behalf.”
Kidan donated to Mackenzie’s leadership PAC, a fundraising vehicle often used to contribute money to other like-minded candidates and political committees, and it is the most recent donation Kidan has made, according to FEC records.
Arnaud Armstrong, a spokesperson for Mackenzie, previously told NOTUS that Mackenzie “has never advocated for a pardon from the President on anyone’s behalf.”
Kidan donated to Mackenzie’s leadership PAC, a fundraising vehicle often used to contribute money to other like-minded candidates and political committees, and it is the most recent donation Kidan has made, according to FEC records.