Key Takeaways
• New York’s attorney general is suing VDARE for misusing over $1 million in donations.
• Peter and Lydia Brimelow allegedly spent charity money on a 9,300 sq ft medieval-style castle.
• The suit seeks to dissolve VDARE, force repayment, and redirect assets to real charities.
• VDARE already faced legal action in 2022 for slow cooperation.
How VDARE Faces a Major Lawsuit
New York Attorney General Letitia James filed a lawsuit against VDARE, accusing its leaders of turning donated money into private perks. The suit claims Peter and Lydia Brimelow treated VDARE like their own bank. Instead of serving the public good, they used more than $1 million to buy and fix up a huge castle in West Virginia. Now, James wants to close VDARE, make the Brimelows repay the funds, and give any leftover money to worthy nonprofits.
Background on VDARE
VDARE began as an anti-immigration nonprofit. It takes its name from a colonial figure, Virginia Dare, who some white supremacists idolize. Over time, the group built ties with both mainstream conservatives and far-right extremists. It published essays that critics call racist or xenophobic. Despite its controversial views, VDARE registered as a charity in New York and collected donations under that status.
Why the Suit Matters
Charities must use their donations for public benefit, not personal gain. Attorney General James has often gone after groups or businesses that break this rule. She sued the Trump Organization and later the National Rifle Association. Now, she aims to hold VDARE to the same standards. If successful, her order could force the Brimelows to pay back millions and end VDARE’s operations.
VDARE Leaders Fund Their Own Castle
According to the lawsuit, the Brimelows purchased an 1880s “castle” in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia. It boasts 9,300 square feet, turrets, and battlements. They alleged spent charity funds on rebuilding walls, installing fancy lighting, and regular maintenance. Without board approval, they moved in, calling the castle their private home. In addition, the suit notes luxury travel, upscale club memberships, and payments that benefited the couple’s relatives.
Key Allegations in the Complaint
• Misappropriation of over $1 million from donors.
• Renovation and upkeep of a private castle.
• Use of funds for personal travel and family perks.
• Failure to get board permission before buying or living in the property.
• Slow response and lack of full cooperation since a prior 2022 investigation.
Impact on Donors and Public Trust
When a charity misuses gifts, it harms people’s trust. Donors expect their money to help worthy causes, such as aiding the needy or funding research. Instead, VDARE’s backers may feel betrayed. Moreover, the misuse of donations can scare away future supporters from other charities. Therefore, the attorney general argues that strong action against VDARE will protect all New York’s nonprofit system.
How the Brimelows Responded
In July 2024, Peter Brimelow filmed a video announcing VDARE’s end. He blamed the attorney general’s investigations, saying she “battered us to death” with legal probes. He claimed VDARE faced no criminal charges but suffered from nonstop, intrusive demands. Despite his statement, the lawsuit moves forward, seeking court orders and financial penalties.
What the Attorney General Seeks
Letitia James’s filing asks the court to:
• Order the Brimelows to repay misused donations with interest.
• Impose additional financial penalties for nonprofit law violations.
• Dissolve VDARE as a legal entity in New York.
• Redirect any remaining VDARE assets to verified charities.
Possible Outcomes
If the court rules for the attorney general, VDARE will owe millions in repayments and fines. The group would cease to exist, and its bank accounts could transfer to other nonprofits. On the other hand, the Brimelows might fight the order, leading to appeals and more hearings. Either way, the case will set a strong example for nonprofit oversight.
Transition Words in the Lawsuit
Moreover, the suit highlights that charities must show clear records of spending. In addition, it points out that VDARE ignored internal rules. Consequently, James labels the group a “personal piggy bank” for its leaders. Therefore, she calls for strict remedies, including the group’s shutdown.
Lessons for Nonprofit Leaders
This lawsuit teaches that strict governance matters. First, charity boards must approve all major purchases. Second, directors should avoid any personal benefit from donor money. Third, transparency in spending keeps public trust alive. Lastly, ignoring state investigations can lead to contempt charges and financial penalties.
Why This Case Matters to You
Even if you aren’t a donor to VDARE, this case affects all charities. Strong enforcement by state attorneys general safeguards good causes. It ensures donations go to children, health research, and environmental work—not lavish lifestyles. Thus, the VDARE lawsuit serves as a warning: misusing nonprofit funds has serious legal risks.
FAQs
What is VDARE accused of doing with donations?
The lawsuit claims VDARE leaders spent over $1 million to buy and renovate a private castle, fund travel, and support family perks.
Who are Peter and Lydia Brimelow?
They are the founders and operators of VDARE, known for anti-immigration views and ties between mainstream conservatives and the far right.
What does the attorney general want to happen to VDARE?
She seeks a court order to dissolve the group, make the Brimelows repay misused funds, add penalties, and redirect leftover assets to real charities.
Has VDARE faced legal trouble before?
Yes, in 2022 the attorney general sued the group. A judge found VDARE in contempt for slow cooperation and imposed fines.