Anti-Trump Son Paid $200,000 After Turning in Father for January 6 Rally

In a controversial twist to the January 6 Capitol protest aftermath, Jackson Reffitt, a young man who turned in his own father to the FBI, has received nearly $200,000 in support from liberals. Jackson, now 21, used GoFundMe to raise the funds after testifying against his father, Guy Reffitt, who was sentenced to over seven years in prison.

Jackson, a self-proclaimed far-left activist, initially tipped off the FBI about his father on Christmas Eve 2020, claiming that his dad "was going to do something big." Following the Capitol protest, Jackson secretly recorded his father discussing his actions and handed the recordings to the FBI. This led to a raid on their home on January 16, 2021, and Guy Reffitt’s subsequent arrest.

• Jackson created a GoFundMe page following his appearance on CNN, where he was praised for his actions. The page, which raised $195,000 from 5,500 donors, claimed that the funds would be used for college or saved for future needs, as Jackson feared being kicked out of his home due to his involvement in the case.

• Guy Reffitt was convicted of multiple charges related to the Capitol protest, despite not entering the Capitol or engaging in violence. His son’s testimony played a significant role in the trial, with Jackson expressing no regrets for his actions.

• Critics have drawn parallels between Jackson's actions and historical instances of family betrayal under totalitarian regimes. Xi Van Fleet, a survivor of Communist China, compared it to Mao's Cultural Revolution, while scholar James Lindsay labeled it "classic Communist behavior."

In court, Guy Reffitt was visibly emotional as his son testified against him for three hours. The judge highlighted that Guy had bragged to his family about his actions at the Capitol, remarks captured by his son's recordings.

Jackson blames former President Donald Trump for his family's turmoil, stating, “Trump destroyed my whole family… Without Trump, my family would still be together. I 100 percent guarantee you. It was a perfect family.”

Despite the public and financial support Jackson received, his actions have deeply divided his family. According to a 2023 Washington Post report, while the family seeks reconciliation, tensions remain high. Jackson’s sisters disapprove of Trump but believe turning in their father was unjustifiable. The mother, who supports her husband, has struggled with the emotional fallout, experiencing panic attacks and distress.

Jackson remains steadfast in his actions, even compiling a list of perceived family betrayals in response to their criticisms of his decision. His steadfastness in the face of family disapproval highlights the deep political and personal rifts caused by the January 6 events and the broader national discourse surrounding them.

The Reffitt family saga underscores the profound impact of the Capitol protest on individual lives and families, reflecting broader societal divisions that continue to resonate.

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