A state complaint against a dark money group targeting U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) was reportedly referred to Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti on Tuesday following earlier reports about the American Exceptionalism Institute (AEI), a Virginia-based 501(c)(4) that reportedly spent or reserved $1.4 million to oppose Blackburn.
After the Tennessee Registry of Election Finance included the complaint, submitted by Blackburn campaign attorney Brandon Smith, The Tennessee Journal reported the registry officially voted to refer the matter to Skrmetti for consideration during its Tuesday meeting.
AEI’s advertisements, which appeared to be created using artificial intelligence (AI), Blackburn’s campaign described as containing “knowingly false and defamatory accusations of bribery and criminal corruption” that did not “have a shred of factual support.”
After Blackburn’s campaign issued legal demands to AEI, Comcast, which owns Xfinity, and the advertising agency Viamedia both pulled the nonprofit’s advertisements.
The Tennessee Star later reported that tax, business, and campaign filings tie AEI to at least three political action committees (PACs) connected to Missouri-based political strategist Jeff Roe that have operated in Tennessee.
In 2024, AEI contributed $3.25 million to the American Policy Coalition PAC, which subsequently gave $95,000 to the East Tennessee Conservatives PAC that supported the election of State Senator Bobby Harshbarger (R-District 4). East Tennessee Conservatives ultimately spent nearly $600,000 supporting Harshbarger, including more than $240,000 spent with Roe’s Axiom Strategies firm. They also spent an additional $300,000 with Armada Strategies, which has personnel connections to Axiom’s AxMedia.
Filings additionally show East Tennessee Conservatives has the same treasurer as Great American Coalition, which also contributed to East Tennessee Conservatives. The same professional, Thomas Datwyler, is additionally the CEO of Axom’s AxCapital.
Separately, AEI gave $500,000 the Safe Streets Safe Communities 501 (c) (4) nonprofit, who gave $168,000 to the Sullivan Count First PAC, which made over $96,000 in payments to Axiom Strategies companies, and more than $100,000 to Armada Strategies.
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Tom Pappert is a 2025 recipient of the Dao Prize and the lead reporter for The Tennessee Star. He also reports for the Star News Network. Follow Tom on X. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Marsha Blackburn” by Marsha Blackburn.Â
