John Weaver, a longtime Republican political consultant and co-founder of The Lincoln Project (an anti-Trump super PAC launched in 2019), became the center of a major scandal in early 2021.
In January 2021, more than 20 young men accused Weaver of sending them unsolicited, sexually provocative messages over several years, often while offering professional help or jobs in politics. At least one accuser reported receiving messages starting when he was 14 (becoming more explicit after turning 1

. Reports from outlets like The New York Times and others detailed these allegations, describing the behavior as predatory and exploitative, though no physical encounters were alleged except one consensual case, and no unlawful conduct was claimed.
Weaver, who had taken a medical leave from The Lincoln Project in summer 2020, acknowledged sending "inappropriate" messages in a statement to Axios, coming out as gay and apologizing, while saying he viewed some as consensual. The Lincoln Project condemned him as a "predator, a liar, and an abuser," stating they were shocked and had been deceived. Weaver did not return to the organization.
The scandal deepened with reports that some Lincoln Project leaders knew about allegations as early as June 2020 (or earlier), leading to resignations (including Steve Schmidt), internal turmoil, and an external investigation. It significantly damaged the group's reputation, though it continued operations. As of late 2025, there are no major public updates on Weaver beyond the 2021 events. He has maintained a low profile since the scandal, and recent searches show no new developments, legal actions, or further statements from him. The Lincoln Project remains active in anti-Trump efforts but has faced ongoing criticism over finances and past handling of the Weaver issue.