House Committee Hearing on Foreign Influence in Nonprofits

On Tuesday at 10:05 a.m., House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith opened a hearing discussing “foreign adverse effects,” but there was no sign of compliance from the organizations under scrutiny; in fact, they only intensified their responses.

From Room 1100 of the Longworth House office building, Smith cautioned that the American nonprofit sector has become a target for foreign adversaries. Meanwhile, outside the hearing room and on social media, left-leaning groups associated with Shanghai-based tech entrepreneur Neville Roy Singham escalated their rhetoric, criticizing American policies and expressing views in line with the Chinese Communist Party and other communist regimes.

“This is not politics. This is about national security,” Smith stated at the start of the session titled “Foreign Influence in America’s Nonprofits: Uncovering the Threat from Beijing.” He noted that the committee was looking into the financial activities of tax-exempt organizations accused of creating disorder and stirring anti-Semitism, as well as interfering in elections.

During the session, Smith reiterated his concerns, claiming, “The Chinese Communist Party is taking advantage of our tax-exempt sector.” He warned organizations violating nonprofit laws, saying, “We’re coming for you!”

As Smith’s warnings echoed during the hearing, the Singham network was active, voicing its defiance on social media. Code Pink, co-founded by Singham’s wife Jody Evans, made accusations against the U.S., stating it enables atrocities abroad. They shared an article alleging that Israel had “evaporated” Palestinians in Gaza, labeling it “horror beyond comprehension – enabled by the U.S.” This language has long been a common narrative among America’s adversaries.

Code Pink activists, known for their disruptions at public hearings, were notably absent this time, despite being referenced multiple times during the session.

In his opening remarks, Smith dismissed a letter he sent the previous night demanding information from two organizations funded by Singham, which are alleged to promote propaganda aligned with the Chinese government.

Online, the targeted groups showed no signs of retreating. Breakthrough News even posted a drone video of protests featuring teachers, one waving a sign that read, “Make the Billionaires Pay.” The rhetoric at these events was sharp, echoing calls for change from foreign sympathies.

“This is an engineered subversion,” said Adam Thorne, co-founder of the Network Infection Institute. He elaborated on how foreign narratives filter through U.S. nonprofit groups, even as far-left responses continued unabated. The Party for Socialism and Liberation, another part of Singham’s network, actively encouraged street protests and shared messages that resonated with those in power as lawmakers scrutinized funding sources.

Amid discussions on foreign influence methods, the Democratic Socialists of America chimed in by praising a recent Super Bowl performance that criticized U.S. colonial policies, emphasizing their solidarity with struggles against American imperialism.

Scott Walter, director of the Capital Research Center, noted the exploitation of the nonprofit sector by foreign entities. Smith warned the committee is closely investigating the funding trails, emphasizing that this issue directly relates to national security.

As external communications intensified, the People’s Forum expressed its support for Cuba and condemned the actions of a Republican representative, claiming he was engaged in “digital laundering operations.” Smith cautioned that all Americans should be concerned regarding these influences and asked witnesses to elaborate on Singham’s network.

Outside the hearing, similar sentiments echoed. Students for Justice in Palestine, another ally within Singham’s circle, called for an end to occupations, using broad language that seemed to encompass various issues. By 1:45 p.m., Smith adjourned the hearing with a clear sense that the online campaign remained undeterred.

In the aftermath, American Democratic Socialists pushed for a “call to conscience” regarding U.S. policies in Cuba, while the People’s Forum promoted an event titled “America’s Hidden History of Rebellion,” highlighting their connections within the Singham Network.