False: Democrats are funded by AARP

By: Archana Naresh
September 3 2020

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American Association of Retired Persons does not have any record of direct contributions to political parties or candidates.In August, a post started circulating on social media claiming that money given to AARP (formerly American Association of Retired Persons), an advocacy organization that lobbies on behalf of retired Americans, goes directly to the Democratic party. American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) receives amounts in the form of membership dues and donations. The organization has an estimated 38 million members, all of whom approximately pay annual dues at $16 per year. The organization also accepts charitable donations. There is no evidence that the money paid to AARP through membership dues or donations goes directly to the Democratic party. The organization's website clearly states that it does not support, endorse, or contribute to political candidates or parties. Moreover, the AARP policy prohibits employees or officers from engaging in any personal political activity using AARP resources or during work hours. But, the policy allows AARP's officers and employees to make political donations personally. Open Secrets campaign finance data reveals that most individual donors associated with AARP have contributed to Democratic candidates. However, when individuals support a political party, it cannot be considered a contribution made by an organization. Therefore it is clear that individual donations made are not the same as contributions by an organization. Because AARP, as an organization, has not contributed to the Democratic party or its candidates, we conclude that this claim is false.