Lincoln Project Co-Founder Steve Schmidt Resigns From Board Amid Scandal

Steve Schmidt, the co-founder of the powerful Lincoln Project that has battled Donald Trump, has resigned amid allegations against another co-founder of sexual harassment.

His resignation Friday was first reported by Axios.

The resignation comes after co-founder John Weaver was accused of sending sexually explicit messages via email or in phone calls to some 20 men,  including to employees of The Lincoln Project. The organization has come under fire for not taking immediate action when the accusations surfaced. 

Schmidt, a longtime Republican strategist, said he was “incandescently angry” about Weaver in a rambling, startling statement he posted Friday on Twitter in which revealed being the victim of molestation as a boy at camp. “I detest John Weaver in a way I can’t articulate,” he added. Schmidt said he first learned of Weaver’s behavior last month. 

Regardless of his feelings about Weaver, Schmidt also said he was “enormously proud” of what The Lincoln Project has accomplished.

In the wake of the Weaver accusations, The Lincoln Project has come under increasing scrutiny. The Associated Press reported Thursday that the mostly Republican-led organization has spent about $50 million mostly on firms controlled by its leaders.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.