During a recent conference organized by Turning Point Action, a prominent conservative activist group, 8,000 attendees gathered in a Detroit convention hall to listen to Donald J. Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for president.
Before Trump took the stage, a sponsor named Alexander Spellane addressed the crowd. Spellane, also known as Alexander Fisher and Alexander Overlie according to federal regulators, promotes investments in precious metals. He warned the audience that traditional assets like cash, stocks, and 401(k)s could lose value, encouraging them to protect their money by purchasing gold and silver from his company, Fisher Capital.
Despite facing legal action from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission for allegedly selling gold and silver coins at inflated prices, Fisher Capital was a top-level sponsor of the event, requiring a minimum donation of $250,000. Spellane even had the opportunity to be photographed backstage with Trump, showcasing the close ties between Turning Point Action and corporate sponsors like Fisher Capital.
This partnership sheds light on how Charlie Kirk, a young conservative activist with connections to Trump and his son, has merged business and politics to elevate Turning Point Action and Turning Point USA as influential players in conservative circles. With plans to spend over $100 million on voter turnout efforts in key states, these organizations host high-profile events funded by corporate sponsors seeking access to their audience.
While some political groups avoid controversial sponsors, Turning Point’s willingness to engage with companies like Fisher Capital reflects a focus on financial support rather than reputational concerns, according to former RNC chairman Michael Steele.
Turning Point spokesperson Andrew Kolvet maintains that the organization adheres to regulations and conducts due diligence on sponsors. Despite the fraud allegations against Fisher Capital, Turning Point stands by its sponsors, citing the presumption of innocence and emphasizing compliance with laws.
In addition to Fisher Capital, Turning Point has received support from controversial groups like New Federal State of China, raising questions about the organization’s alliances with entities facing legal troubles.
The involvement of individuals like Spellane, Stone, and Bannon in Turning Point events underscores the complex web of connections between politics, business, and legal issues. Despite ongoing legal battles and controversies, these figures continue to play a role in shaping conservative narratives and influencing public opinion.
As Turning Point navigates its relationships with sponsors and supporters, the organization faces scrutiny for its ties to individuals and entities with questionable backgrounds. The intersection of money, politics, and influence underscores the challenges of maintaining ethical standards in a polarized political landscape.
