Democratic National Committee leaders were asked to sign non-disclosure agreements before a private meeting on the party's finances last month, while Chairman Ken Martin continues to face scrutiny over the party's fundraising and financial position ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Axios, citing two people familiar with the discussions, reported on Thursday that the request marked a departure from past practice for DNC officers and reflected concerns about keeping internal financial discussions confidential.

The June 25 meeting came as Martin has faced criticism from some Democrat donors, strategists and DNC members over the committee's fundraising efforts while Republicans maintain a significant financial advantage.

According to the DNC's latest Federal Election Commission filings through the end of May, the committee had nearly $15 million in cash on hand while carrying about $18 million in debt. By comparison, the Republican National Committee reported roughly $125 million in cash on hand and no debt.

Martin has pushed back on criticism of the party's fundraising. During a recent appearance on the "Pod Save America" podcast, he said, "To suggest that we're not raising money is inaccurate," adding that the party has chosen to spend its resources.

The financial disparity has taken on greater significance following a recent Supreme Court ruling that lifted limits on coordinated spending between political parties and candidates. The decision also allows parties to purchase advertising at the lower rates available to campaigns, potentially increasing the value of the RNC's fundraising advantage heading into the Nov. 3 midterm elections.

DNC officers are elected party leaders rather than employees, and Axios reported they had not previously been required to sign non-disclosure agreements before leadership meetings.

The DNC declined to comment to Axios on the specific confidentiality agreements.

Chris Lowe, the DNC's national finance co-chair, defended the practice, telling the outlet that requiring confidentiality agreements for officers discussing finances and political strategy "is a non-issue" and "consistent with standard practice in the corporate world."

Lowe added that "all senior staff at the DNC are party to confidentiality agreements, and it would be political malpractice not to have them in place when finance and political strategy are being discussed at the highest level."

A DNC official also told Axios the committee has raised more money during the current election cycle than it did during the comparable 2017 and 2018 period, when Democrats were also out of power in the White House.

However, campaign fundraising totals have generally increased in recent election cycles as campaign costs have risen.