Disclaimer
Follow the Grift is an independent project of commentary and accountability reporting about public officials and public figures. It is built on public records and published journalism.
Opinion and fact
The word “grift” and the site's framing are opinion about matters of public concern. The factual claims we make are the line items: each one states an amount, its basis and a confidence tier, and links to its source.
Allegations
Items marked Alleged are unproven. Lawsuits, complaints and claims reported by a single outlet are listed as allegations. Their amounts are counted in the default total, so readers see the full scope of what has been claimed, and the “Alleged” control on the leaderboard leaves them out.
Amounts
Amounts are as stated by the cited source. Some are estimates, and the value of shares changes with the market. Fund capital, lobbying fees and political donations are not personal income. Neither are federal contracts and awards, which pay a company for goods or services. They are counted by default because the money flows to firms, funds or committees these people own, run, direct or invest in, and each line item says which kind it is. Use the controls on the leaderboard to leave any kind out.
Photos
Portraits are public-domain or Creative Commons images from Wikimedia Commons, credited on each person's page and on the credits page. Their use does not imply endorsement by the photographer.
No affiliation
This project is not affiliated with, authorized by or endorsed by anyone it covers. Nothing here is financial or legal advice.