# Democracy Forward: Opposition Research Report ## Executive Summary Democracy Forward operates as a partisan Democratic litigation organization disguised as a "nonpartisan" watchdog, functioning as a weaponized legal arm of the Democratic establishment designed to harass and obstruct Republican administrations through aggressive and often frivolous lawsuits. Founded in March 2017 specifically to target the Trump administration, this organization represents a sophisticated network of [[Clinton Campaign]] operatives, Obama administration alumni, and Democratic mega-donors working to undermine conservative governance through [judicial activism](https://www.influencewatch.org/non-profit/democracy-forward/)[.](https://www.influencewatch.org/non-profit/democracy-forward-foundation/)[](https://freebeacon.com/issues/clinton-lawyer-podesta-involved-with-anti-trump-litigation-group/) ## Organization Overview and Leadership Democracy Forward Foundation operates as a dual-structure organization with both 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) arms, incorporated simultaneously in [March 2017 by Katherine LaBeau](https://www.influencewatch.org/non-profit/democracy-forward/), an associate at the [Democratic law firm Perkins Coie](https://freebeacon.com/issues/clinton-lawyer-podesta-involved-with-anti-trump-litigation-group/). The organization's leadership reads like a who's who of Democratic Party operatives and [[Clinton Campaign]] veterans. ### Key Leadership and Board Connections **[[Marc Elias]] (Board Chairman)**: The organization's board is chaired by [Marc Elias](https://www.influencewatch.org/non-profit/democracy-forward/), [Hillary Clinton's former top campaign lawyer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marc_Elias) and general counsel for her 2016 presidential campaign. Elias is the architect behind the [discredited Steele dossier](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steele_dossier), having used [Clinton campaign and DNC funds](https://www.vox.com/2017/10/24/16539676/trump-dossier-funded-hillary-clinton) to hire Fusion GPS, which in turn hired Christopher Steele to produce the [unverified document](https://www.politico.com/story/2017/10/24/trump-clinton-russia-dossier-bankroll-244131) that formed the basis of the Russia collusion narrative. [Elias left Perkins Coie in 2021](https://perkinscoie.com/print/pdf/node/2055) to form the Elias Law Group after the firm faced scrutiny over its role in the dossier funding. **Skye Perryman (President and CEO)**: Current head of the organization since June 2021, [Perryman previously worked at WilmerHale](https://www.linkedin.com/in/skyeperryman) and served as [Senior Counsel at Democracy Forward](https://www.citybiz.co/article/85344/democracy-forward-names-skye-perryman-jd-as-ceo/) during its founding years. Her background includes work at [Covington & Burling and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists](https://democracyforward.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/SLP-Bio.pdf), where she pushed abortion advocacy policies. **[[Ron Klain]] (Board Member)**: Former [Biden White House Chief of Staff](https://docs.house.gov/meetings/FA/FA05/20200205/110450/HHRG-116-FA05-Bio-KlainR-20200205.pdf) and longtime [Democratic operative](https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/14/us/politics/democracy-forward-trump-administration.html) who has served in [three Democratic administrations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_Klain). His presence on the board demonstrates the organization's direct ties to the highest levels of the Democratic Party establishment. **Anne Harkavy (Former Executive Director)**: The organization's founding executive director served as deputy national counsel for [[John Kerry]]'s [2004 presidential campaign](https://www.influencewatch.org/person/anne-harkavy/) and [senior legal advisor for Obama's 2008 and 2012 campaigns](https://www.discoverthenetworks.org/organizations/democracy-forward-df/). She is [married to David W. Ogden](https://www.influencewatch.org/person/anne-harkavy/), former Deputy U.S. Attorney General under Obama. ## Founding and Donor Network Connections Democracy Forward's creation was part of a coordinated effort by Democratic mega-donors and operatives to resist the Trump administration through litigation warfare. The organization's founding coincides with a [January 2017 donor retreat](https://ballotpedia.org/David_Brock_\(Washington,_D.C.\)) organized by [Clinton operative David Brock](https://www.politico.com/story/2017/01/david-brock-fundraising-trump-233974) at the Turnberry Isle resort in Florida, where [over 120 wealthy Democratic donors](https://www.politico.com/story/2017/01/democratic-donors-retreat-234001) gathered to plot resistance strategies. ### [[David Brock]] Connection At this retreat, [Brock outlined plans](https://www.politico.com/story/2017/01/david-brock-fundraising-trump-233974) for his network of organizations to raise $40 million to fight Trump, with a specific focus on expanding litigation efforts through organizations like [Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW)](https://www.politico.com/story/2017/01/democratic-donors-retreat-234001). While Democracy Forward was not explicitly mentioned at this meeting, the timing of its [incorporation just two months later](https://www.influencewatch.org/non-profit/democracy-forward/) and its identical mission suggest coordination with this broader resistance network. ### Marc Elias and Perkins Coie Network The organization's incorporation by [Perkins Coie attorney Katherine LaBeau](https://freebeacon.com/issues/clinton-lawyer-podesta-involved-with-anti-trump-litigation-group/), combined with Marc Elias's board chairmanship, demonstrates direct ties to the law firm that served as the [conduit for Clinton campaign opposition research](https://www.elias.law/team/katherine-labeau). [[Perkins Coie]] received [at least $26 million during the 2016 election cycle](https://www.influencewatch.org/for-profit/perkins-coie/) representing Democratic committees and served as the payment processor for the [Steele dossier](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steele_dossier) through its work with [[Fusion GPS]]. ## Anti-Trump Litigation Strategy Democracy Forward has operated as a legal harassment operation against conservative administrations, filing dozens of lawsuits designed to obstruct policy implementation and drain government resources through constant litigation. ### Trump Administration Targeting (2017-2021) During Trump's first term, [Democracy Forward filed 47 lawsuits against 17 federal agencies](https://democracyforward.org/updates/democracy-forward-celebrates-one-year-of-fighting-back-against-unlawful-trump-administration-actions-and-winning/). The organization specifically targeted routine policy changes and attempted to characterize normal administrative actions as ["corruption" and "unlawful behavior"](https://www.influencewatch.org/non-profit/democracy-forward/)[.](https://www.influencewatch.org/non-profit/democracy-forward-foundation/) Their lawsuits included frivolous challenges to everything from Obamacare advertising budget cuts to complaints about [Ivanka Trump's clothing choices](https://www.influencewatch.org/non-profit/democracy-forward/) at official events. ### Current Trump Administration Assault (2025) Since Trump's return to office, Democracy Forward has dramatically escalated its litigation strategy, filing [over 70 federal legal actions](https://democracyforward.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/House-Oversight-Perryman-Testimony-6.12.25.pdf) and launching [more than 90 investigations](https://democracyforward.org/updates/democracy-forwards-skye-perryman-testifies-before-house-oversight-committee/) in just the first few months of 2025. The organization has specifically targeted: - [Federal funding freezes](https://democracyforward.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IPM-OMB-Essential-Funding-Freeze-3.12.25.pdf) designed to eliminate wasteful spending - Immigration enforcement operations, including [lawsuits to block ICE raids](https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/aclu-and-democracy-forward-sue-trump-administration-over-expected-invocation-of-alien-enemies-act) and [challenge the Alien Enemies Act](https://democracyforward.org/updates/moc-ice-lawsuit/)[](https://www.tpr.org/government-politics/2025-04-16/judge-probable-cause-to-hold-u-s-in-contempt-over-alien-enemies-act-deportations) - [Efforts to eliminate DEI programs](https://democracyforward.org/work/foia-lawsuits/) and reduce federal bureaucracy - [DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) operations](https://democracyforward.org/work/foia-lawsuits/) aimed at reducing government waste ## Legal Analysis of Potential Criminal Culpability ### Federal Law Violations **[[FARA Violations]]**: Democracy Forward's coordination with foreign-connected operatives, particularly through the Marc Elias network's ties to foreign intelligence sources like [Christopher Steele](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steele_dossier), may constitute violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act. The organization's failure to properly disclose foreign influence in its anti-Trump litigation campaign could trigger FARA enforcement. **[[Conspiracy]] and [[Sedition]] Activity**: The organization's systematic campaign to undermine elected government through coordinated litigation, combined with its connections to the [discredited Steele dossier operation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steele_dossier), suggests potential conspiracy charges under 18 U.S.C. § 371 for [conspiring to defraud the United States government](https://www.vox.com/2017/10/24/16539676/trump-dossier-funded-hillary-clinton). **Tax Fraud and [[False Statements]]**: Democracy Forward's claims of "nonpartisan" status while operating as a purely partisan Democratic organization may constitute tax fraud under 26 U.S.C. § 7206 for false statements on [tax-exempt applications](https://www.influencewatch.org/non-profit/democracy-forward/)[.](https://www.guidestar.org/profile/82-1007988) ### State-Level Violations **Election Law Violations**: The organization's coordination with Democratic campaigns and party committees while claiming tax-exempt status may violate [state election laws](https://www.dailysignal.com/2025/07/07/exclusive-marc-elias-led-group-guided-illinois-on-anti-trump-litigation-documents-reveal/) in multiple jurisdictions where it operates. **Professional Responsibility Violations**: Attorneys associated with Democracy Forward, particularly those involved in frivolous litigation designed solely to harass political opponents, may face bar discipline proceedings for abuse of process and violation of professional conduct rules. ### Civil Penalties and Regulatory Actions **IRS Enforcement**: The organization's blatantly partisan activities while claiming 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status warrant immediate IRS investigation and potential [revocation of tax-exempt status](https://www.guidestar.org/profile/82-1007988)[.](https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/821007988) **FEC Violations**: Coordination between Democracy Forward and Democratic campaigns may constitute unreported in-kind contributions violating federal election law limits. ## Congressional and Government Connections Democracy Forward's leadership has extensive ties to Congress and federal agencies, creating potential conflicts of interest and insider influence operations. ### Congressional Testimony and Influence [Skye Perryman has testified](https://democracyforward.org/updates/democracy-forwards-skye-perryman-testifies-at-house-committee-on-oversight-hearing-to-highlight-dangers-of-project-2025/) before House committees on multiple occasions, using her platform to attack conservative policies and promote Democratic talking points while claiming to represent a "nonpartisan" organization. Her testimony specifically promoted [opposition to Project 2025](https://democracyforward.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/House-Oversight-Perryman-Testimony-6.12.25.pdf) and attacked [Trump administration policies](https://democracyforward.org/updates/democracy-forwards-skye-perryman-testifies-before-house-oversight-committee/). ### Obama Administration Alumni Network The organization serves as a landing spot for Obama administration officials, including: - [Ron Klain](https://docs.house.gov/meetings/FA/FA05/20200205/110450/HHRG-116-FA05-Bio-KlainR-20200205.pdf) ([Biden/Obama White House Chief of Staff](https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/14/us/politics/democracy-forward-trump-administration.html)) - [Anne Harkavy](https://www.influencewatch.org/person/anne-harkavy/) (various Democratic campaigns and administration connections) - [Katherine LaBeau](https://topline.com/people/katherine-labeau-256449462) (Obama administration Office of Management and Budget) ### Intelligence Community Connections Through Marc Elias's role in the [[Christopher Steele]] [[Steele Dossier]] [operation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steele_dossier), Democracy Forward maintains connections to intelligence community networks that were used to [target political opponents](https://www.vox.com/2017/10/24/16539676/trump-dossier-funded-hillary-clinton). These connections raise questions about the organization's potential role in ongoing intelligence operations against conservative politicians. ## Financial Opacity and Dark Money Connections Despite claiming transparency, Democracy Forward operates with significant financial opacity, refusing to disclose major donors while attacking conservative organizations for similar practices. ### Funding Sources The organization reported [$17.6 million in contributions](https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/821007988) for fiscal year 2024, with minimal transparency about donor sources. This funding likely includes: - [Democratic mega-donors from the Democracy Alliance network](https://www.politico.com/news/2021/09/23/democracy-alliance-president-pamela-shifman-513786) - [Clinton campaign donor networks](https://www.counterpunch.org/2016/04/01/how-hillary-clinton-bought-the-loyalty-of-33-state-democratic-parties/)[](https://www.democracynow.org/2016/4/4/how_much_money_has_hillary_clintons) - Soros-connected funding streams, given the organization's connection to [Perkins Coie, which received $5 million from Soros in 2018](https://www.influencewatch.org/for-profit/perkins-coie/) for voting rights litigation ### Executive Compensation [CEO Skye Perryman received $453,887](https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/821007988) in compensation plus $38,327 in other benefits in 2024, reflecting the organization's well-funded nature despite its claimed grassroots mission. ## Connections to Liberal Legal Networks Democracy Forward operates as part of a broader network of liberal legal organizations designed to advance Democratic Party interests through the courts. ### American Civil Liberties Union Coordination The organization regularly coordinates with the ACLU on litigation, including [joint lawsuits against Trump administration policies](https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/aclu-and-democracy-forward-sue-trump-administration-over-expected-invocation-of-alien-enemies-act). This coordination demonstrates the interconnected nature of liberal legal activism. ### State Attorney General Network Democracy Forward works closely with Democratic state attorneys general to coordinate [multi-state litigation campaigns](https://www.dailysignal.com/2025/07/07/exclusive-marc-elias-led-group-guided-illinois-on-anti-trump-litigation-documents-reveal/) against [federal policies](https://democracyforward.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IPM-OMB-Essential-Funding-Freeze-3.12.25.pdf). This coordination suggests a centralized strategy to use state-level officials to obstruct federal policy implementation. ## Threat to Democratic Institutions Democracy Forward represents a fundamental threat to American democratic governance by weaponizing the judicial system to override electoral outcomes. The organization's systematic campaign to prevent elected officials from implementing their policy agenda through endless litigation represents a form of judicial coup designed to nullify elections through legal harassment. ### Abuse of Judicial Process The organization's strategy of filing [dozens of lawsuits simultaneously](https://democracyforward.org/updates/moc-ice-lawsuit/) is designed to overwhelm government resources and prevent policy implementation rather than address genuine legal violations. This [abuse of judicial process](https://democracyforward.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/House-Oversight-Perryman-Testimony-6.12.25.pdf) undermines the separation of powers and [democratic governance](https://democracyforward.org/updates/democracy-forwards-skye-perryman-testifies-before-house-oversight-committee/). ### Coordination with Foreign Interests Through its connections to the [Steele dossier network](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steele_dossier) and [foreign intelligence sources](https://www.vox.com/2017/10/24/16539676/trump-dossier-funded-hillary-clinton), Democracy Forward may be serving as a conduit for foreign interference in American politics disguised as domestic legal advocacy. ## Recommendations for Accountability **Congressional Investigation**: Democracy Forward's funding sources, foreign connections, and coordination with Democratic Party operations warrant comprehensive congressional investigation under the House Judiciary Committee's oversight authority. **IRS Enforcement**: The organization's blatantly partisan activities while claiming tax-exempt status require immediate IRS investigation and likely revocation of tax-exempt status. **DOJ Investigation**: The organization's potential role in conspiracy to defraud the United States government through the Steele dossier network and ongoing litigation harassment campaigns warrant Department of Justice investigation. **State Bar Investigations**: Attorneys associated with Democracy Forward's frivolous litigation campaigns should face state bar discipline proceedings for abuse of process and violation of professional conduct standards. Democracy Forward represents not legitimate legal advocacy but rather a sophisticated influence operation designed to undermine American democratic governance through judicial activism and legal harassment. The organization's extensive connections to foreign intelligence sources, Democratic Party operations, and mega-donor networks reveal it as a key component of the broader effort to nullify conservative electoral victories through extra-democratic means.