# Defending the Republic **Defending the Republic** is a 501(c)(4) run by [[Sidney Powell]] that raised money for her post-2020 "[[Release the Kraken]]" litigation. [[Patrick Byrne]] was formerly its chairman and CEO. - **Arizona.** It gave **$550,000** to the [[2021 Maricopa County Presidential Ballot Audit]]. A document obtained by the Arizona Mirror also showed it had hired [[Wake Technology Services]], the firm that ran the Arizona hand count, for an earlier review in Fulton County, Pennsylvania. - **Scrutiny.** Florida alleged that it raised money without registering as a charity. In a court filing, [[Dominion Voting Systems]] claimed Powell used the group to fund her lifestyle. It also received proceeds from a QAnon convention. > [!note] Stub — expand > Fundraising totals, the Florida registration matter, and its role in the Kraken suits.