Wisconsin AG Accused of Letting Out-of-State Groups Fund DOJ Prosecutors

Republican lawmakers claim private donors are wielding state power through "volunteer" attorneys

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Republican lawmakers in Wisconsin are accusing Attorney General Josh Kaul of allowing out-of-state interest groups to fund prosecutors within the state's Department of Justice. The Senate Special Committee on Oversight held a hearing to question Kaul about the use of "Special Assistant Attorneys General" who are paid by a center funded by billionaire Michael Bloomberg rather than Wisconsin taxpayers.

Why it matters

This controversy raises concerns about the independence and impartiality of state prosecutors, as well as the influence of private donors and out-of-state groups in state-level law enforcement decisions.

The details

During the hearing, Kaul acknowledged the DOJ entered into an agreement to employ these "volunteer" attorneys within the Environmental Protection Unit. Republicans claim these attorneys wield the full power of the state to prosecute businesses while answering to private donors rather than Wisconsin taxpayers.

  • The Senate Special Committee on Oversight held a hearing on this issue on Wednesday.
  • The committee plans to issue a final report and recommendations by mid-April.

The players

Josh Kaul

The Wisconsin Attorney General who is accused of allowing out-of-state groups to fund DOJ prosecutors.

Michael Bloomberg

The billionaire whose center is reportedly funding the "Special Assistant Attorneys General" in Wisconsin's DOJ.

Senate Special Committee on Oversight

The legislative committee that held a hearing to question Kaul about the use of these privately-funded prosecutors.

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What’s next

The Senate Special Committee on Oversight plans to issue a final report and recommendations on this issue by mid-April.

The takeaway

This controversy highlights concerns about the influence of private donors and out-of-state groups on state-level law enforcement, and the need for transparency and accountability in how prosecutors are funded and directed.