¶ Overview
- In 2025, Ogles was filmed going in and out of a $3.7 million townhouse that was owned by Tennessee businessman Lee Beaman, a big Republican donor. The townhouse was also reportedly where Speaker Mike Johnson lived and served as a base of operations for an evangelical pastor who sought to influence policy.
- Beaman and Ogles have a long history. They got to know each other when Ogles was Tennessee Director of Americans for Prosperity. In 2017, when Ogles announced he would run for Senate, Beaman said he planned to raise $4 million to support Ogles’ candidacy. In 2022, Beaman briefly served as the treasurer of Ogles’ campaign, during the same time period Ogles falsely claimed to have loaned his campaign $320,000. Beaman now denies he had any substantial involvement in Ogles’ campaign finances. Beaman was a max-out donor to Ogles’ 2022 and 2024 congressional campaigns. Beaman also donated tens of thousands of dollars to a super PAC that has spent tens of thousands of dollars in support of Ogles’ 2022 and 2024 congressional campaigns.
- Ogles has pushed policy in congress that both Beaman and the pastor have advocated for. He supported efforts to repeal corporate average fuel economy standards, which they advocated for as well. He pushed an effort to make it easier to fire federal government employees, something Beaman and the pastor have advocated for.
¶ Ogles May Stay At A Washington DC House Owned By One Of His Major Donors
¶ 2025: ogles was filmed going in an out of a DC townhouse owned by tennessee republican donor lee beaman
2025: Ogles Was Filmed Going In And Out Of A $3.7 Million Townhouse In DC That Was Owned By A Republican Donor. According to ProPublica, "The six-bedroom, $3.7 million home is owned by a multimillion-dollar Republican donor. Rep. Andy Ogles, a Tennessee Republican who is among President Donald Trump’s most aggressive allies in Congress, has been at the house on multiple days over the past two weeks, according to people who live in the area. Video reviewed by ProPublica showed Ogles leaving the townhouse with bags on Feb. 27. As he left, he locked up the front door and pocketed the keys to the house. As ProPublica reported last week, House Speaker Mike Johnson is living in the townhouse. And Dan Bishop, a former congressman from North Carolina now nominated for a powerful post in Trump’s White House, appears to have lived there until recently as well." [ProPublica, 3/6/25]
Tennessee Businessman Lee Beaman Owned The Townhouse That Ogles Was Seen Going In And Out Of. According to ProPublica, "Perhaps no one is more responsible for Ogles’ rise in politics than Lee Beaman, the Tennessee businessman who owns the Capitol Hill townhouse. When Ogles announced a short-lived Senate bid in 2017, Beaman said he planned to raise $4 million to support the run. Beaman, whose wealth derives from a large car dealership chain, then served as campaign treasurer in Ogles’ successful 2022 run for the House." [ProPublica, 3/6/25]
- Beaman Purchased The DC Townhouse In 2021 And A Lawyer Sought To Change It From A Single-Family Dwelling To A “Boarding House/Room House.” According to ProPublica, "Beyond his ownership of the townhouse, Beaman’s role in the pastor’s influence project is unclear. After Beaman purchased the house in 2021, a lawyer sought to change it from a single-family dwelling to a ‘boarding house/rooming house,’ according to Washington, D.C., property records. Around that time, Berger’s nonprofit group, Ambassador Services International, registered the home as its address. Members of Congress are allowed to live anywhere, as long as they pay fair-market rent, experts said. Discounts on rent are generally seen as improper gifts and prohibited by House ethics rules." [ProPublica, 3/6/25]
¶ The Townhouse Was Also Reportedly Where Speaker Mike Johnson Lived And Served As The Base Of Operations For An Evangelical Pastor Who Sought To Influence Policy
House Speaker Mike Johnson Reportedly Lived At The Same Townhouse In DC That Ogles Was Observed Going To. According to ProPublica, "The six-bedroom, $3.7 million home is owned by a multimillion-dollar Republican donor. Rep. Andy Ogles, a Tennessee Republican who is among President Donald Trump’s most aggressive allies in Congress, has been at the house on multiple days over the past two weeks, according to people who live in the area. Video reviewed by ProPublica showed Ogles leaving the townhouse with bags on Feb. 27. As he left, he locked up the front door and pocketed the keys to the house. As ProPublica reported last week, House Speaker Mike Johnson is living in the townhouse. And Dan Bishop, a former congressman from North Carolina now nominated for a powerful post in Trump’s White House, appears to have lived there until recently as well." [ProPublica, 3/6/25]
The DC Townhome Was The Base Of Operations For Evangelical Pastor Steve Berger Whose Goal Was The Minister To Members Of Congress So What They Learned Was Translated Into Policy. According to ProPublica, "In 2021, Steve Berger, an evangelical pastor who has attacked the separation of church and state as ‘a delusional lie’ and called multinational institutions ‘demonic,’ set off on an ambitious project. His stated goal: minister to members of Congress so that what ‘they learn is then translated into policy.’ His base of operations would be a six-bedroom, $3.7 million townhouse blocks from the U.S. Capitol. Recently, the pastor scored a remarkable coup for a political influence project that has until now managed to avoid public scrutiny. He got a new roommate. House Speaker Mike Johnson has been staying at the home since around the beginning of this year, according to interviews and videos obtained by ProPublica. The house is owned by a major Republican donor and Tennessee car magnate who has joined Berger in advocating for and against multiple bills before Congress." [ProPublica, 2/28/25]
- Lee Beaman Publicly Advocated With Steve Berger For Numerous Policy Changes, Including With Respect To Foreign Affairs, Fuel Efficiency Standards, And Removing Barriers To Firing Federal Employees. According to ProPublica, "Beaman and Berger have publicly advocated together for numerous specific policy changes, in areas including foreign affairs, fuel efficiency standards and removing barriers to firing federal employees. After the 2020 election, they both signed a letter declaring that Trump was the rightful winner and calling for Congress to overturn the results. (Beaman did not respond to requests for comment. ProPublica could not determine whether he and the pastor have discussed policy issues with Ogles during his time in Congress.)" [ProPublica, 3/6/25]
- Beaman And Berger Both Signed A Letter Declaring That Trump Was The Rightful Winner Of The 2020 Presidential Election And Calling On Congress To Overturn The Results. According to ProPublica, "Berger’s interests extend beyond his staunch social conservatism. He and the donor who owns the house, Lee Beaman, have publicly advocated together for numerous specific policy changes, including a bill that would make it easier to fire federal employees and a regulation that would reduce fuel efficiency standards for the automotive industry. After the 2020 election, they both signed a letter declaring that President Donald Trump was the rightful winner and calling for Congress to overturn the results." [ProPublica, 2/28/25]
¶ Ogles Has Pushed Policy Pushed By Beaman And Berger
Lee Beaman Publicly Advocated With Steve Berger For Numerous Policy Changes, Including With Respect To Foreign Affairs, Fuel Efficiency Standards, And Removing Barriers To Firing Federal Employees. According to ProPublica, "Beaman and Berger have publicly advocated together for numerous specific policy changes, in areas including foreign affairs, fuel efficiency standards and removing barriers to firing federal employees. After the 2020 election, they both signed a letter declaring that Trump was the rightful winner and calling for Congress to overturn the results. (Beaman did not respond to requests for comment. ProPublica could not determine whether he and the pastor have discussed policy issues with Ogles during his time in Congress.)" [ProPublica, 3/6/25]
¶ Ogles Supported Efforts To Repeal Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards In Congress
2023: Ogles Was An Original Co-Sponsor Of A Bill That Sought To Repeal The Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards.
[Congress.gov, H.R. 2779, Introduced 4/20/23, Co-Sponsored 4/20/23]
2023: Ogles Proposed An Amendment To The Transportation And HUD Spending Bill That Would Prohibit The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Proposed Rule On Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards. According to the Competitive Enterprise Institute, "The House is expected to consider an amendment offered by Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) to the Transportation and HUD spending bill (H.R. 4820) that would prohibit funding for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s proposed rule ‘Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards for Passenger Cars and Light Trucks for Model Years 2027-2032 and Fuel Efficiency Standards for Heavy-Duty Pickup Trucks and Vans for Model Years 2030-2035.’ The Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI) supports this amendment." [Competitive Enterprise Institute, 11/7/23]
2024: Ogles Supported A Resolution That Sought To Disapprove Of The National High Way Traffic Safety Administration’s Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards Rule. According to a press release from Rep. Tim Walberg, "Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-05) led 64 House colleagues in introducing a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution of disapproval to nullify the Biden-Harris National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rule titled ‘Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards for Passenger Cars and Light Trucks for Model Years 2027-2032 and Fuel Efficiency Standards for Heavy-Duty Pickup Trucks and Vans for Model Years 2030-2035.’ Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) introduced the Senate companion earlier in the week. […] Original Cosponsors (64): Reps. Mark Amodei, Kelly Armstrong, Jim Baird, Troy Balderson, Aaron Bean, Jack Bergman, Stephanie Bice, Andy Biggs, Gus Bilirakis, Mike Bost, Larry Bucshon, Eric Burlison, Mike Carey, Earl ‘Buddy’ Carter, Andrew Clyde, Mike Collins, Dan Crenshaw, Byron Donalds, Jeff Duncan, Neal Dunn, Ron Estes, Virginia Foxx, Russ Fulcher, Morgan Griffith, Glenn Grothman, Michael Guest, Brett Guthrie, Harriet Hageman, Diana Harshbarger, Kevin Hern, Richard Hudson, Bill Huizenga, Ronny Jackson, John James, John Joyce, Mike Kelly, Doug Lamborn, Nick Langworthy, Bob Latta, Jake LaTurner, Debbie Lesko, Frank Lucas, Tracey Mann, Lisa McClain, Dan Meuser, Mary Miller, Carol Miller, John Moolenaar, Alex Mooney, Jay Obernolte, Andy Ogles, Gary Palmer, Greg Pence, Scott Perry, Guy Reschenthaler, Chip Roy, Adrian Smith, Pete Stauber, G.T. Thompson, Tom Tiffany, Randy Weber, Brad Wenstrup, Rudy Yakym, Ryan Zinke." [Press Release – Rep. Tim Walberg, 8/2/24]
¶ Ogles Pushed Efforts To Make It Easier To Fire Federal Government Employees
2025: Ogles Introduced Legislation That Sought To Codify President Trump’s Federal Workforce Executive Order To Ensure The President Could “Remove Federal Workers Who Intentionally Undermine The President’s Policy Goals.” According to a press release from Rep. Andy Ogles, "Congressman Andy Ogles introduced the End The Deep State Act, which attempts to codify President Trump’s critical executive order to restore accountability to the Federal workforce. This legislation classifies federal employees who hold policy-centered roles as ‘Schedule Policy/Career’ employees. This ensures that the President is able to remove federal workers who intentionally undermine the President’s policy goals. This legislation also repeals a Biden-introduced rule protecting insubordinate employees from losing civil service status. ‘My legislation will put an end to the sabotage carried out by left-leaning, progressive federal employees against President Trump and his administration. For far too long, insubordinate and underperforming bureaucrats have been shielded by the Uniparty in Washington, as career officials too often work to obstruct an America First agenda. My bill codifies the President’s executive order to hold these employees accountable and safeguard President Trump’s constitutional authority to shape the Executive Branch as he sees fit,’ Congressman Ogles said. ‘The growth in power of unelected bureaucrats has come at the expense of those elected to serve. The End the Deep State Act ensures Americans get the policies they voted for, free from federal employees’ personal political bias that often goes unchecked due to the vast shield afforded to career employees. Heritage Action commends Rep. Ogles for holding federal employees accountable and leading the charge to enable the elected president to implement policy solutions.’ - Ryan Walker, Heritage Action Executive Vice President. Co-Sponsors (6): Reps. Randy Weber [TX-14], Scott Perry [PA-10], Eric Burlison [MO-07], Clay Higgins [LA-03], Lauren Boebert [CO-04], Brandon Gill [TX-26]." [Press Release – Rep. Andy Ogles, 2/4/25]
- Ogles’ Legislation Also Repealed A Rule “Protecting Insubordinate Employees From Losing Civil Service Status.” According to a press release from Rep. Andy Ogles, "Congressman Andy Ogles introduced the End The Deep State Act, which attempts to codify President Trump’s critical executive order to restore accountability to the Federal workforce. This legislation classifies federal employees who hold policy-centered roles as ‘Schedule Policy/Career’ employees. This ensures that the President is able to remove federal workers who intentionally undermine the President’s policy goals. This legislation also repeals a Biden-introduced rule protecting insubordinate employees from losing civil service status. ‘My legislation will put an end to the sabotage carried out by left-leaning, progressive federal employees against President Trump and his administration. For far too long, insubordinate and underperforming bureaucrats have been shielded by the Uniparty in Washington, as career officials too often work to obstruct an America First agenda. My bill codifies the President’s executive order to hold these employees accountable and safeguard President Trump’s constitutional authority to shape the Executive Branch as he sees fit,’ Congressman Ogles said. ‘The growth in power of unelected bureaucrats has come at the expense of those elected to serve. The End the Deep State Act ensures Americans get the policies they voted for, free from federal employees’ personal political bias that often goes unchecked due to the vast shield afforded to career employees. Heritage Action commends Rep. Ogles for holding federal employees accountable and leading the charge to enable the elected president to implement policy solutions.’ - Ryan Walker, Heritage Action Executive Vice President. Co-Sponsors (6): Reps. Randy Weber [TX-14], Scott Perry [PA-10], Eric Burlison [MO-07], Clay Higgins [LA-03], Lauren Boebert [CO-04], Brandon Gill [TX-26]." [Press Release – Rep. Andy Ogles, 2/4/25]
- 2026: The Trump Administration Published A Final Version Of Their Proposed Regulation To Create The “Schedule/Policy Career” Designation For Federal Employees, Which Sought To Reclassify About 50,000 Federal Employees And Allow Them To Be Swiftly Removed For Reasons Including “Subversion Of Presidential Directives.” According to the Economic Policy Institute, "February 5, 2026: OPM published the final version of their proposed regulation to create the ‘Schedule Policy/Career’ designation for federal employees. This change will allow the Trump administration to reclassify about 50,000 federal employees, or 2% of the federal workforce, under a new category where agencies could ‘swiftly remove employees…without lengthy procedural hurdles’ for reasons including ‘subversion of presidential directives.’ The final rule does not direct which positions will be moved to the new classification; rather, according to OPM guidance, agencies identify positions to reclassify to OPM, which will review and make a recommendation to the President. President Trump would then need to issue a separate Executive Order designating those positions as reclassified under Schedule Policy/Career. EPI submitted public comments opposing this rule in May 2025. April 18, 2025: Office of Personnel Management proposes rule to establish new designation to make it easier to fire government employees who are determined to ‘refuse to advance the policy interests of the president.’ January 22, 2025: White House issues Executive Order on Restoring Accountability to Policy-Influencing Positions within the Federal Workforce." [Economic Policy Institute, 3/4/26]
December 2023: Ogles Introduced A Bill That Sought To Withdraw The September 2023 Proposed Rule Titled “Upholding Civil Service Protections And Merit System Principles.” “According to congress.gov, H.R. 6558 in the 118th congress was a bill to, "Enabling Necessary Discipline with the Defense of Executives’ Endeavors to Properly Staff Their Agencies with Trustworthy Employees Act or the END the DEEP STATE Act This bill requires the Office of Personnel Management to withdraw the proposed rule titled Upholding Civil Service Protections and Merit System Principles and published on September 18, 2023. The bill also prohibits further action to finalize, implement, or enforce the same or a substantially similar rule. The proposed rule addresses civil service protections for federal employees. Among other things, the proposed rule provides that federal employees shall not lose their status or civil service protections when they involuntarily leave the competitive service to enter the excepted service or move between positions in the excepted service; establishes related procedures that apply when moving to these positions; and specifies that the phrase confidential, policy-determining, policy-making, or policy-advocating, which is used to describe certain positions that are excepted from civil service protections, is intended to apply to noncareer, political appointments." [H.R. 6558, END the DEEP STATE Act, Introduced 12/1/23]
- The September 2023 Upholding Civil Service Protections And Merit System Principles Proposed Rule Meant To The Reinforce Merit-Based, Non-Partisan Federal Civil Service. According to a blog post from the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, "The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) on September 15 issued a proposed rule designed to reinforce the merit-based, nonpartisan civil service. The proposal is a direct response to the Trump administration executive order known as ‘Schedule F,’ which created a broad exception to the system of rules ensuring civil servants are hired and fired based on merit, not political affiliation and loyalty or lack thereof. The order, revoked in January 2021, sought to move tens of thousands of career federal employees in policy-making positions to a new job classification outside the merit system, removing standard employment protections. The rule, ‘Upholding Civil Service Protections and Merit System Principles,’ would allow Federal employees to keep their existing job protections and clarify that these protections cannot be taken away unless the employee gives up these rights voluntarily. This will ‘add a procedural roadblock in the way of any future administration looking to undermine merit-based protections via a return of Schedule F, or other similar efforts,’ according to a statement by NARFE National President William Shackelford." [Blog – National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, 9/19/23]
- The Biden Administration Had Issued A Series Of Guidance Mean To Protect Career Federal Civil Service Employees From Undue Political Influence. According to a blog post from the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, "On October 25, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued updated guidance on civil service protections, reinforcing the merit-based, nonpartisan nature of the federal workforce. This directive builds upon OPM’s Final Rule, ‘Upholding Civil Service Protections and Merit System Principles’ back in April that clarified protections for career civil servants in response to Executive Order 14003, which emphasized upholding the principles of merit and shielding career employees from undue political influence." [Blog – National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, 11/1/24]
¶ beeman and ogles have a long history
¶ Beaman And Ogles Got To Know Each Other When Ogles Served As Tennessee Director Of Americans For Prosperity
Beaman Got To Know Ogles When Ogles Was The Tennessee Director Of Americans For Prosperity. According to ProPublica, "Beaman has said he got to know Ogles when Ogles was the Tennessee director of Americans for Prosperity, part of the Koch brothers’ political network. Beaman and Ogles joined forces to fight a mass transit project in Nashville and reportedly worked together on a successful effort to repeal the estate tax in their home state. After leaving the Koch network, Ogles served four years as the mayor of a Middle Tennessee county with a population of roughly 100,000. He held that role until 2022, when he was elected to Congress." [ProPublica, 3/6/25]
- Ogles And Beaman Worked Together To Fight A Mass Transit Project In Nashville And On A Successful Effort To Repeal The Estate Tax In Tennessee. According to ProPublica, "Beaman has said he got to know Ogles when Ogles was the Tennessee director of Americans for Prosperity, part of the Koch brothers’ political network. Beaman and Ogles joined forces to fight a mass transit project in Nashville and reportedly worked together on a successful effort to repeal the estate tax in their home state. After leaving the Koch network, Ogles served four years as the mayor of a Middle Tennessee county with a population of roughly 100,000. He held that role until 2022, when he was elected to Congress." [ProPublica, 3/6/25]
¶ 2017: When Ogles Announced He Would Run For Senate, Beaman Said He Planned To Raise $4 Million To Support Ogles’ Candidacy
When Ogles Announced A Short-Lived Senate Campaign In 2017, Beaman Said He Planned To Raise $4 Million To Support His Candidacy. According to ProPublica, "Perhaps no one is more responsible for Ogles’ rise in politics than Lee Beaman, the Tennessee businessman who owns the Capitol Hill townhouse. When Ogles announced a short-lived Senate bid in 2017, Beaman said he planned to raise $4 million to support the run. Beaman, whose wealth derives from a large car dealership chain, then served as campaign treasurer in Ogles’ successful 2022 run for the House." [ProPublica, 3/6/25]
¶ 2022: Beaman Briefly Served As The Treasurer Of Ogles’ Congressional Campaign, During The Same Time Period Ogles Falsely Claimed To Have Loaned His Campaign $320,000, Though Beaman Now Denies He Had Any Substantial Involvement In Ogles’ Campaign Finances
Beaman Was Treasurer Of Ogles’ 2022 House Campaign. According to ProPublica, "Perhaps no one is more responsible for Ogles’ rise in politics than Lee Beaman, the Tennessee businessman who owns the Capitol Hill townhouse. When Ogles announced a short-lived Senate bid in 2017, Beaman said he planned to raise $4 million to support the run. Beaman, whose wealth derives from a large car dealership chain, then served as campaign treasurer in Ogles’ successful 2022 run for the House." [ProPublica, 3/6/25]
2022: Ogles Told The FEC That Beaman Was The Custodian Of His Campaign Records And Filed Three Separate Disclosures That Were Signed By Beaman. According to NewsChannel 5, "There are new questions surrounding embattled Tennessee Congressman Andy Ogles — and the stories he has told about money going in and out of his campaign bank accounts. Now, one of Ogles’ top contributors, Nashville businessman Lee Beaman, is disputing campaign financial disclosures that the Middle Tennessee Republican filed with the Federal Election Commission (FEC). In 2022, Ogles told the FEC that Beaman was the custodian of his campaign records, and three separate financial disclosures filed with the FEC had reportedly been signed by Beaman, who was allegedly attesting to their accuracy." [NewsChannel 5, 12/16/25]
- An Electronic Signature For Beaman Was On The Original 2022 Q3 Filing Ogles’ Campaign Submitted To The FEC.
[FEC, Andy Ogles for Congress, Q3 Report, Filed 10/15/22]
- An Electronic Signature For Beaman Was On The Original 2022 Pre-General Filing Ogles’ Campaign Submitted To The FEC.
[FEC, Andy Ogles for Congress, Pre-General Report, Filed 10/27/22]
- An Electronic Signature For Beaman Was On The Original 2022 Post-General Filing Ogles’ Campaign Submitted To The FEC.
[FEC, Andy Ogles for Congress, Post-General Report, Filed 12/6/22]
After Being Nominated To Serve On The Board Of The Tennessee Valley Authority, Beaman Claimed He Thought Serving As Campaign Treasurer Was An Honorary Position And When He Saw His Name Listed In A Campaign Ad He Told Ogles He Could Not Serve. According to NewsChannel 5, "Beaman, who has been nominated by President Donald Trump to serve on the board of the Tennessee Valley Authority, disputed those assertions in responses filed with the US Senate committee that is considering his appointment. ‘Mr. Ogles asked me in a text message to serve as his campaign treasurer, a position I thought was an honorary position,’ Beaman said in a written response to questions from the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. ‘When I did not respond either way, he assumed I agreed to serve. A couple of months later, I saw my name listed as treasurer in a political advertisement. At that point, I told him I could not serve.’ Beaman stated that he was certain that he ‘never signed or compiled any reports, and I had nothing to do with any campaign bank accounts.’" [NewsChannel 5, 12/16/25]
- Beaman Claimed He Did Not Respond To Ogles’ Request To Be His Campaign Treasurer And Ogles Took His Silence As Agreeance. According to NewsChannel 5, "Beaman, who has been nominated by President Donald Trump to serve on the board of the Tennessee Valley Authority, disputed those assertions in responses filed with the US Senate committee that is considering his appointment. ‘Mr. Ogles asked me in a text message to serve as his campaign treasurer, a position I thought was an honorary position,’ Beaman said in a written response to questions from the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. ‘When I did not respond either way, he assumed I agreed to serve. A couple of months later, I saw my name listed as treasurer in a political advertisement. At that point, I told him I could not serve.’ Beaman stated that he was certain that he ‘never signed or compiled any reports, and I had nothing to do with any campaign bank accounts.’" [NewsChannel 5, 12/16/25]
- Beaman Claimed He Never Signed Or Compiled Campaign Reports For Ogles And Had Nothing To Do With The Ogles’ Campaign Bank Accounts. According to NewsChannel 5, "Beaman, who has been nominated by President Donald Trump to serve on the board of the Tennessee Valley Authority, disputed those assertions in responses filed with the US Senate committee that is considering his appointment. ‘Mr. Ogles asked me in a text message to serve as his campaign treasurer, a position I thought was an honorary position,’ Beaman said in a written response to questions from the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. ‘When I did not respond either way, he assumed I agreed to serve. A couple of months later, I saw my name listed as treasurer in a political advertisement. At that point, I told him I could not serve.’ Beaman stated that he was certain that he ‘never signed or compiled any reports, and I had nothing to do with any campaign bank accounts.’" [NewsChannel 5, 12/16/25]
- Beaman Claimed He Had “Nothing To Do” With Ogles’ Campaign Finance Report Where Ogles Claimed To Have Loaned $320,00 To His Campaign. According to the Tennessee Lookout, "Previously, the House Ethics Committee found Ogles likely violated federal campaign finance laws, mainly by reporting an inflated personal loan to make his bid for office look stronger in 2022. Ogles initially said he raised $450,000 for the race, yet his first FEC report showed he brought in only $250,000. Ogles amended campaign finance reports in May 2024 and acknowledged making a $20,000 loan to his campaign and saying the additional $300,000 was in a joint account he shared with his wife. Beaman said he had ‘nothing to do’ with the FEC report filed in July 2022 showing the $320,000 loan and wasn’t familiar with allegations surrounding it until they were reported by local media much later. According to committee questioning, the Ogles for Congress campaign issued a press release in July 2022 stating that Ogles ‘did direct donors to a few independent expenditure groups they were planning to assist in my getting elected.’" [Tennessee Lookout, 12/12/25]
¶ Beaman Was A Max-Out Donor To Ogles’ 2022 And 2024 Congressional Campaigns
Beaman Was A Max-Out Donor To Ogles’ 2022 And 2024 Congressional Campaigns.
| CONTRIBUTOR | RECIPIENT | CITY/STATE | DATE | AMOUNT |
| Lee Beaman | Andy Ogles for Congress | Nashville, TN | 4/21/23 | $6,250 |
| Lee Beaman | Andy Ogles for Congress | Nashville, TN | 4/21/23 | -$2,950 |
| Lee Beaman | Andy Ogles for Congress | Nashville, TN | 4/13/23 | $6,600 |
| Lee Beaman | Andy Ogles for Congress | Nashville, TN | 4/13/23 | -$3,300 |
| Lee Beaman | Andy Ogles for Congress | Nashville, TN | 4/13/23 | $3,300 |
| Lee Beaman | Andy Ogles for Congress | Nashville, TN | 4/13/23 | -$3,300 |
| Lee Beaman | Andy Ogles for Congress | Nashville, TN | 11/8/22 | $2,900 |
| Lee Beaman | Andy Ogles for Congress | Nashville, TN | 5/12/22 | $2,900 |
| TOTAL | $12,400.00 |
[FEC, Andy Ogles for Congress, Receipts, Viewed 3/9/26]
¶ 2022 & 2024: Beaman Donated $70,000 Total To Volunteers For Freedom PAC, Which Has Spent More Than $84,000 On Independent Expenditures In Support Of Ogles’ Congressional Campaigns
Beaman Claimed He Was Only A Donor To Volunteers For Freedom PAC And Did Not Engage In Coordination With The Ogles Campaign. According to the Tennessee Lookout, "Beaman, though, said other than being a donor, during his time as campaign chairman he wasn’t overly involved in a dark money-group called Volunteers for Freedom Super PAC that backed Ogles’ candidacy three years ago. It’s illegal for campaigns and PACs whose money is not traceable to coordinate. […] ‘I am aware of certain prohibitions. My only involvement was as a donor to the Ogles campaign and to the Volunteers for Freedom Super PAC. I did not engage in any coordinated activity between these two entities,’ said Beaman, who was removed from the Belmont University Board of Trustees in 2018 following salacious accusations against him in divorce proceedings. He returned to the board in 2021." [Tennessee Lookout, 12/12/25]
- Volunteers For Freedom Was An Independent Expenditure Committee, Or Super PAC.
[FEC, Volunteers for Freedom, Committee Information, 2022]
¶ 2022: Beaman Contributed $60,000 To Volunteers For Freedom PAC Which Spent Nearly $70,000 On Independent Expenditures In Support Of Ogles’ Congressional Campaign
June-July 2022: Beaman Contributed $60,000 To Volunteers For Freedom PAC.
[FEC, Volunteers for Freedom, Receipts, Viewed 3/9/26]
2022: Volunteers For Freedom PAC Spent Nearly $70,000 In Support Of Ogles’ Congressional Campaign.
[FEC, Volunteers for Freedom, Independent Expenditures, Viewed 3/9/26]
¶ 2024: Beaman Contributed $10,000 To Volunteers For Freedom PAC Which Spent $15,100 On Independent Expenditures In Support Of Ogles’ Congressional Campaign
June 2024: Beaman Contributed $10,000 To Volunteers For Freedom PAC.
[FEC, Volunteers for Freedom, Reciepts, Viewed 3/9/26]
July 2024: Volunteers For Freedom PAC Spent $15,100 In Support Of Ogles And $15,100 In Opposition To Courtney Johnston, Ogles’ Republican Primary Challenger.
[FEC, Volunteers for Freedom, Independent Expenditures, Viewed 3/9/26]
- HEADLINE: "Metro Councilmember Courtney Johnston Falls Short In Attempt To Oust Rep. Andy Ogles In Republican Primary" [Nashville Banner, 8/1/24]