Mike Rogers' Controversial Consulting Deals Raise Eyebrows in Senate Campaign

Photo byMike Rogers for Michigan Senate

Former Congressman’s Ties to Foreign Interests and Rapid Wealth Growth Under Scrutiny

LANSING, MI. September 9, 2024 — New revelations from American Journal News are casting a shadow over Mike Rogers' Senate campaign, detailing how the former Congressman’s net worth skyrocketed by 2,000% after leaving office, largely due to consulting work for corporations with questionable foreign ties. The report alleges that Rogers profited from deals involving companies accused of stealing American trade secrets and lobbying for nuclear reactor projects in politically sensitive regions like the Middle East.

Rogers' Wealth Surge: From Congressman to Multi-Millionaire

When Mike Rogers left Congress in 2015, his net worth was estimated at approximately $655,000. Today, that figure stands at a staggering $13 million. This dramatic increase is attributed to lucrative consulting gigs for a range of corporations, some of which are entangled with foreign governments that have been hostile or adversarial to U.S. interests.

According to Rogers' 2023 financial disclosures, he held roles on the boards or as a consultant for at least 23 organizations, raking in $2 million in fees and an additional $1.2 million from investments in various mutual funds. Among the most controversial of these roles was his involvement with Telefónica, a Spanish telecommunications giant operating extensively in Venezuela. From 2018 to 2023, Rogers was part of Telefónica’s Technical and Security Advisory Committee, earning $20,731 in 2023 alone.

However, during his tenure, Telefónica became embroiled in a surveillance scandal, revealing that the company facilitated phone taps for Nicolás Maduro’s autocratic government. As Telefónica is legally obligated to comply with government directives in the countries where it operates, the Venezuelan government’s requests for monitored phone lines were reportedly fulfilled, implicating the company—and by extension, Rogers—in activities that contravene the values of privacy and human rights advocacy.

Controversial Ties: Huawei, Saudi Arabia, and National Security Concerns

Rogers’ post-Congressional career has been marred by connections that seemingly contradict his public positions on national security. During his time in Congress, Rogers led a prominent investigation into Huawei, the Chinese telecommunications giant, concluding that the company was essentially an arm of the Chinese government, accused of stealing trade secrets and posing a potential espionage threat. Despite this, Rogers later took a consulting role with AT&T while the company was exploring a business deal with Huawei.

The American Journal News report points out the apparent hypocrisy in Rogers’ stance, highlighting his previous efforts to limit Huawei’s influence due to national security concerns, contrasted with his subsequent consulting work that indirectly supported negotiations with the same Chinese firm.

Rogers also served as a consultant for IP3 International, a nuclear technology company with ambitions in the Middle East. Formed in 2016, IP3 lobbied for relaxed regulations on nuclear reactor construction in Saudi Arabia, a move that critics argue could pave the way for the kingdom to develop nuclear weapons. These actions have raised alarms among those who see them as compromising U.S. national security in favor of personal financial gain.

Criticism from Michigan Democrats: “Rogers Sold Out National Security”

Michigan Democrats have been quick to seize on these revelations, accusing Rogers of abandoning his home state and compromising national security to enrich himself. Michigan Democratic Party spokesperson Sam Chan did not mince words, accusing Rogers of selling out American interests for personal gain.

Sam Chan: "Mike Rogers sold out our national security to China so he could enrich himself at Michiganders’ expense. Rogers’ record is clear – he is only in this race for himself and his wealthy special interest backers while Michigan families pay the price."

This narrative is reinforced by a string of reports and op-eds criticizing Rogers' connections to foreign entities, including his involvement with Saudi companies, one of which has been pushing for nuclear projects that some fear could lead to the proliferation of nuclear weapons in an already volatile region.

The Revolving Door: Rogers' Shift from Public Servant to Private Consultant

Rogers’ career trajectory exemplifies the "revolving door" phenomenon, where former public officials transition into lucrative private sector roles that may benefit from their government experience and connections. Since leaving Congress, Rogers has leveraged his political clout and insider knowledge to secure a series of high-paying consulting gigs, raising ethical questions about the alignment of his private endeavors with public interests.

The criticism extends to Rogers’ broader political positioning. While campaigning for the U.S. Senate, Rogers has vocally criticized China and touted his national security credentials. However, his own financial disclosures suggest a more complex reality, one where his professional engagements may not always align with his public statements or the best interests of U.S. policy.

The Broader Implications: Ethics and Transparency in Politics

Rogers' case underscores the ongoing debate about ethics and transparency in the post-political careers of lawmakers. His rapid wealth accumulation and associations with companies accused of undermining American interests have sparked a wider conversation about the responsibilities of former public servants who enter the private sector. Critics argue that such entanglements can compromise the integrity of public office, blurring the lines between service and self-interest.

As Rogers continues his Senate campaign, these revelations are likely to remain a focal point of criticism from opponents and media alike. The contrast between Rogers' public statements on national security and his private financial interests poses a significant challenge to his candidacy, as voters weigh the implications of electing a representative with such complex and potentially conflicting allegiances.

Have Your Say

Like this, or hate it? Please offer a comment. However, profane or threatening comments are eliminated. Follow us to have other feature stories fill up your Newsbreak feed from Thumbwind Publications.