MISSION & HISTORY
We’ve seen how autocrats attempt to dismantle democracies — and we know how to defeat them.
ABOUT US
We are leading the fight to defend the rule of law, end corruption, and protect democracy.
Democracy Defenders Fund was founded in 2023 by Ambassador Norm Eisen after years of experience defending democracy from inside the White House, the courtroom, and the national media. He and Executive Director Susan Corke — a diplomat and nonprofit leader with over two decades of experience countering authoritarianism — have brought together an all-star leadership team with decades of high-stakes experience to fight autocracy, protect the constitution and safeguard American democracy.
Since January 2025, Democracy Defenders Fund has been a leader in a broad legal resistance that is the most effective restraint on the Trump administration’s abuses of power. We work strategically in the courts and court of public opinion to:
- Defend the Rule of Law: We work tirelessly to ensure those in power uphold the rule of law. We challenge abuses of power and hold wrongdoers accountable — including the government itself — on behalf of the American people.
- Fight Corruption: We go on offense working to expose and fight corruption. Through FOIA requests and public records investigations, we shine a light on abuses of power.
- Safeguard Elections: We go to court to protect the vote. From voter suppression to certification challenges to efforts to discredit election results, we fight to ensure every voice counts and every vote is counted.
OUR WORK
Autocracy forms when the rule of law disappears. We work tirelessly to hold wrongdoers accountable.
Corruption fuels authoritarianism, transforming public institutions into tools for personal gain and consolidating power in the hands of a privileged few.
Democracy relies on free and fair elections. Election subversion is on the rise as bad actors aim to destabilize our democratic process and sow public distrust.