Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., spoke during the House Administration Committee hearing titled “Preventing Fraudulent Donations: Transparency, Verification, and Accountability” in the Longworth building on June 10, 2026. (Photo credit: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc. via Getty Images)
Summary
As part of continued coverage of concerns about interference in upcoming midterm elections, the Real News Network interviewed Congressman Jamie Raskin. Raskin accused the Trump administration of attempting to build a parallel enforcement apparatus within the federal government and of seeking funds that could support extrajudicial efforts to influence elections. He also discussed related topics, including a proposed “slush fund,” changes to immigration enforcement, efforts to limit civil-society organizations, and the need for continued transparency around documents linked to the Jeffrey Epstein case.
Credits
– Production: Taya Graham, Stephen Janis
– Post-Production: David Hebden
Transcript note
This is a rushed transcript and may contain errors. It will be updated when available.
Interview (edited and condensed)
Stephen Janis: We’ve been covering threats to the midterm elections. You introduced legislation called the Blanche Act. The Senate passed reconciliation without addressing this. What can be done to prevent the administration’s proposed slush fund, and what are your concerns about it?
Rep. Jamie Raskin: Most Americans oppose using taxpayer money—$1.776 billion, as proposed—to benefit extremist groups involved in the January 6 attack. I believe that proposal violates multiple laws and constitutional provisions. We need legislation to block that fund and to prevent proposals that would grant lifelong immunity from criminal, civil, or tax prosecution to the president, his family, or his businesses for past alleged offenses.
Stephen Janis: Is this personal for you, since you were present on January 6?
Rep. Jamie Raskin: Democracy and the threat of authoritarianism are personal to me and should be to everyone. I am concerned about efforts to weaken democratic institutions, press freedom, and the separation of church and state. For example, I object to government attempts to dictate religious practices in public schools. Overall, I see a pattern of actions that, in my view, erode constitutional protections.
Stephen Janis: Looking ahead to the midterms, the administration has taken actions like subpoenaing ballots in some counties. Is this part of a playbook to sow doubt and chaos?
Rep. Jamie Raskin: Yes. Many of the administration’s legal and administrative actions—purging voter rolls, closing polling places, and other measures—are attempts to suppress votes and thereby influence outcomes. At the same time, civil-society and legal groups are more organized than ever to fight these efforts. That is why some in the administration are attacking groups such as the Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks and opposes extremist organizations.
Stephen Janis: The reconciliation bill provided large sums—about $70 billion—to ICE and CBP without clear explanations. What do you think that money might be used for?
Rep. Jamie Raskin: Historically, authoritarians have built paramilitary forces inside and outside government. I’m concerned about funding that could enhance a paramilitary role for agencies like ICE and CBP rather than focusing on humane, lawful immigration policy. ICE has been criticized for deaths in custody and other abuses; expanding its capacity in a secretive way raises serious civil-rights and accountability concerns.
Stephen Janis: On the Epstein files: you’ve been involved in efforts to secure those records. What still needs to happen?
Rep. Jamie Raskin: We need stronger legislation to compel the release of withheld documents and to prevent further concealment. The culture tied to authoritarian politics often includes misogyny and sexual violence; exposing wrongdoing and supporting survivors is essential. Keeping these records public is part of that accountability.
Stephen Janis: Do you expect important information in the remaining withheld files?
Rep. Jamie Raskin: Yes. Authorities were supposed to release six million files but have withheld about three million. The documents already released contain scandalous material, and the withheld files likely include further relevant information that could implicate other actors. It’s important to balance disclosure with protecting victims, but the public interest in transparency is significant.
Stephen Janis: On endorsements: are you supporting a candidate named Graham Platner (Grand Planner in the original transcript)?
Rep. Jamie Raskin: I haven’t made a formal endorsement. I think Platner’s working-class–focused progressive politics are appropriate for the moment. He has acknowledged personal challenges and said he is committed to personal transformation. Ultimately, the voters in Maine should decide whether he has demonstrated learning and growth. If he becomes the Democratic nominee, I would support him and work to get him elected, but I haven’t been asked to make a formal endorsement yet.
Closing
Raskin emphasized legislative and legal responses to what he characterizes as threats to democratic institutions, the need to restrict proposed funds that could empower extremist actors, the importance of protecting civil-society organizations, and the continued push for transparency around the Epstein-related records.
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