James Edward O'Keefe III (born June 28, 1984) is an American conservative political activist, filmmaker, media figure, journalist, and author, best known as the founder and former chairman and president of Project Veritas, a far-right activist organization that gained notoriety for orchestrating undercover sting operations and selectively edited videos targeting progressive groups, left-leaning organizations, media organizations, governmental bodies, and Democrats, including political opponents. O'Keefe's career began with early activism at Rutgers University, where he studied philosophy and engaged in conservative campus journalism. After graduating, he worked briefly for the Leadership Institute before founding Project Veritas in 2010. The organization's methods—using hidden cameras, deceptive editing, and entrapment-style encounters—have sparked significant controversy, multiple lawsuits, and legal settlements, including a $100,000 settlement related to ACORN undercover videos. While overseeing operations, Project Veritas was involved in the purchase of the stolen Ashley Biden diary. O'Keefe led Project Veritas's undercover operations until his contentious departure in February 2023, when he was fired following allegations of financial mismanagement, including misuse of donor funds for personal expenses such as helicopter flights, luxury car services, and a romantic relationship. He subsequently founded O'Keefe Media Group, continuing his model of citizen journalism and undercover exposés, most notably targeting pharmaceutical giant Pfizer. Throughout his career, O'Keefe has authored three books and received conservative awards like the Buckley Award, positioning himself as a provocative muckraker challenging mainstream media and progressive institutions.