Who Is Ivan Raiklin and Why Is He in the Spotlight? 
Ivan Raiklin, a controversial American political activist known for promoting election conspiracy theories and far-right rhetoric, became the focus of national attention this week after a heated confrontation with former Capitol Police Officer Michael Fanone during a House Judiciary Committee hearing on January 22.
The encounter occurred during former special counsel Jack Smith’s testimony before Congress, when Raiklin approached Fanone as the session briefly recessed. The exchange quickly escalated into profanity-laced shouting, drawing reactions from lawmakers, Capitol staff, and social media audiences.
Fanone, who defended the U.S. Capitol during the January 6, 2021, attack and has since become a vocal advocate for accountability for that insurrection, accused Raiklin of threatening his family and used explicit language to reject his outreach. Police and former officers stepped in to restrain and separate the two men before the situation worsened.
Who Is Ivan Raiklin?
Ivan Raiklin is an American far-right political operative, activist, and former U.S. Army reservist who has periodically appeared in national political debates. According to public profiles, he previously served as a Green Beret and worked with the Defense Intelligence Agency before leaving the military.
Raiklin first drew wider public attention during the aftermath of the 2020 U.S. presidential election when he promoted the so-called “Pence Card” theory — an unsubstantiated legal argument claiming then-Vice President Mike Pence could block certification of the election results. That theory was circulated widely online but has been discredited by legal experts.
He also ran in the 2018 Republican primary for U.S. Senate in Virginia, though he failed to qualify for the ballot and later lost a legal challenge over the denial of ballot access.
Activism, Conspiracy Theories, and Controversy
Raiklin has been associated with conservative populist movements and has built a presence on social media and at right-wing events. In the past, he has described himself using provocative terms and promoted narratives involving a “deep state” working against conservative interests — rhetoric that critics say feeds conspiracy-laden politics.
In mid-2024, he was noted for joining the board of America’s Future, Inc., a group chaired by former Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn, where he was described by some supporters as a defender of constitutional principles. Critics, however, raised alarms about his language advocating actions against political opponents and government officials.
The Capitol Hearing Clash
The confrontation on January 22 exposed deep divisions in American politics, even extending into settings normally reserved for formal legislative oversight. Video and eyewitness accounts show Raiklin approaching Fanone and attempting to engage, only for the former officer to respond with explosive language and personal accusations.
Following the incident, Raiklin took to social media to push back against the allegations, suggesting he might pursue legal action for defamation over claims made by Fanone.
Reactions to the clash have been mixed: while some see it as symbolic of broader political tensions in the U.S., others criticized both parties for contributing to a breakdown in civility inside a Congressional hearing room.
What This Means for Raiklin’s Role in Politics
Ivan Raiklin’s rising profile highlights the impact of non-traditional political actors who leverage social media, activism, and provocative rhetoric to shape national debates. Whether seen as a constitutional defender or a controversial provocateur, his involvement in current political conversations underscores the continuing fragmentation of American public life.
