Breitbart News CEO Larry Solov confirmed Friday that the Mercer family – GOP mega-donors and key backers of President Trump's campaign – are part owners of the right-wing news site, according to multiple reports.
The controversial conservative site is in the process of applying for congressional press credentials through the Standing Committee of Correspondents, the group that acts as a gatekeeper for the Capitol Hill press.
Solov appeared in front of the committee on Friday, where he revealed that the outlet is owned by himself, the Mercer family, and Susie Breitbart, the widow of the website’s founder Andrew Breitbart, USA Today and BuzzFeed reported.
News organizations trying to secure official Capitol Hill credentials must prove that their editorial teams are independent and not directed by corporate or political entities.
Robert Mercer is a hedge fund manager who has donated millions to conservative campaigns and causes. He, along with his daughter Rebekah Mercer, were strong supporters of Trump's 2016 campaign.
Solov did not say exactly which members of the family were involved with Breitbart.
During his appearance in front of the panel, Solov assured committee members that White House chief strategist Steve Bannon, the former executive chairman of Breitbart, had fully resigned from the company.
But the committee demanded written proof of the senior Trump aide's resignation, and was not simply taking a leave of absence.
While Breitbart News is currently applying for credentials, the organization’s reporters have been covering the Capitol for some time using temporary press passes.