What Happened to Project Veritas?
Project Veritas is a far-right activist group founded by James O'Keefe in 2010, known for its undercover sting operations and deceptively edited videos targeting mainstream media and progressive organizations. Following internal disputes and allegations of financial misconduct, O'Keefe was removed in February 2023, leading to significant layoffs, a temporary suspension of operations, and a change in leadership. The organization has since reported some limited activity in 2025, though its future remains uncertain after a period of significant turmoil.
Quick Answer
Project Veritas, a conservative activist group known for its undercover videos, underwent significant upheaval in 2023. Founder James O'Keefe was removed in February 2023 amid allegations of financial malfeasance and poor management. This led to mass layoffs, a temporary suspension of operations, and the resignation of his successor, Hannah Giles, by December 2023. While the organization faced lawsuits and admitted to having no evidence for some past claims, it reported resuming some limited operations and investigations in 2025 under new leadership.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
ACORN Undercover Videos
James O'Keefe and Hannah Giles release deceptively edited videos targeting ACORN, leading to the organization's defunding and eventual shutdown.
Project Veritas Founded
James O'Keefe officially establishes Project Veritas as a non-profit organization.
O'Keefe Pleads Guilty to Misdemeanor
James O'Keefe pleads guilty to a misdemeanor charge of entering a federal building under false pretenses during an investigation of Senator Mary Landrieu.
Settles ACORN Defamation Lawsuit
Project Veritas and O'Keefe settle a defamation lawsuit with an ACORN employee for $100,000.
Washington Post Sting Attempt
Project Veritas unsuccessfully attempts to plant a false story in The Washington Post regarding Roy Moore sexual misconduct allegations.
Jury Awards $120,000 to Democracy Partners
A federal jury orders Project Veritas to pay Democracy Partners $120,000 for fraudulent misrepresentation and violating wiretapping laws in a 2016 sting operation.
James O'Keefe Removed as Leader
James O'Keefe is removed from his leadership position at Project Veritas by the board of directors, citing financial malfeasance and management issues.
O'Keefe Launches O'Keefe Media Group
Following his departure, James O'Keefe announces the launch of his new organization, O'Keefe Media Group (OMG).
Project Veritas Sues O'Keefe
Project Veritas files a lawsuit against James O'Keefe, alleging breach of contract, disparagement, and using company resources to launch a competing organization.
Operations Suspended, Layoffs
Project Veritas suspends all operations and lays off most of its employees due to severe financial difficulties.
Hannah Giles Resigns as CEO
Hannah Giles, appointed CEO in June 2023, resigns, citing "strong evidence of past illegality and past financial improprieties" within the organization.
Settles Erie Postmaster Lawsuit
Project Veritas and James O'Keefe settle a defamation lawsuit with Erie postmaster Robert Weisenbach, admitting no evidence of 2020 election fraud in the post office.
CNN Defamation Lawsuit Revived
The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals revives Project Veritas's defamation lawsuit against CNN over a journalist's inaccurate statement about its Twitter suspension.
Resumes Limited Investigations
Project Veritas reports producing its first project since 2023, regarding former U.S. Attorney General William Barr, and lists Benjamin Wetmore as President of its board of directors, indicating a limited return to activity.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Project Veritas was established in June 2010 by James O'Keefe, building on his earlier controversial undercover video work, notably against ACORN in 2009. The group quickly gained notoriety for its aggressive tactics, including secret recordings and often deceptively edited videos, aimed at exposing perceived corruption in liberal and mainstream institutions. Its targets included Planned Parenthood, NPR, CNN, and The Washington Post.
Throughout its history, Project Veritas faced numerous legal challenges and criticisms regarding its journalistic ethics. It was sued for defamation multiple times, including a 2013 settlement with an ACORN employee and a 2022 jury award of $120,000 to Democracy Partners for fraudulent misrepresentation and wiretapping violations. The organization also became embroiled in a federal investigation concerning the alleged theft of Ashley Biden's diary, with two individuals pleading guilty in 2022 to selling it to Project Veritas.
A major turning point occurred in February 2023 when James O'Keefe was removed from his leadership position by the Project Veritas board. The board cited allegations of financial malfeasance, including personal use of donor funds for luxury expenses, and an abusive management style. O'Keefe subsequently launched a new venture, O'Keefe Media Group (OMG), leading to a lawsuit from Project Veritas alleging breach of contract and poaching of donors and employees.
The period following O'Keefe's departure was marked by significant instability. Hannah Giles was appointed CEO in June 2023 but resigned in December of the same year, stating she had "stepped into an unsalvageable mess" with "strong evidence of past illegality and past financial improprieties." In September 2023, Project Veritas suspended all operations and laid off most of its employees due to severe financial woes.
Despite these setbacks, Project Veritas's board, led by Benjamin Wetmore as of August 2025, indicated that the organization was not shuttered. In February 2024, Project Veritas and O'Keefe settled a defamation lawsuit with an Erie, Pennsylvania postmaster, admitting there was no evidence of election fraud in the 2020 presidential election as they had previously claimed. In November 2024, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals revived Project Veritas's defamation lawsuit against CNN. The organization's website shows a series of new investigations and reports published in 2025, including projects related to a Secret Service agent, a Connecticut pastor, and former U.S. Attorney General William Barr, suggesting a limited return to activity after its 2023 crisis. No specific new investigations or major organizational changes have been reported for 2026 as of August 14, 2026.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Project Veritas made different choices?