House Committee Investigates Left-Wing Organizations Linked to Chinese Funding

Recently, prominent left-wing figures, including livestream influencer Hasan Piker, have accused Congress of conducting a “McCarthy-style” investigation against them. Their defense centers on a network of pro-China media outlets supported by tech entrepreneur Neville Roy Singham.

The House Ways and Means Committee has subpoenaed three nonprofit organizations, including Breakthrough News, to investigate alleged Chinese influence in U.S. politics. Reportedly, these organizations received around $39 million from Singham, who now resides in China after leaving the U.S. years ago.

The other two groups involved are People’s Forum Inc., which focuses on activism and political education in New York, and Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research, a think tank advocating for “national liberation Marxism.”

The committee is weighing whether existing nonprofit laws adequately safeguard against foreign influence and if they need to be strengthened. They also criticized the three organizations for failing to respond to prior requests for information.

Response from the Left

Following the news about the subpoena, various pro-communist influencers rallied in defense of Breakthrough News. Hasan Piker, a Twitch streamer, referred to the congressional action as the “McCarthy trial,” evoking the anti-communist sentiments of the 1950s. He warned that such actions could target anyone, stating, “They’ll come for you,” on social media.

Medea Benjamin, co-founder of Code Pink, also expressed her support for Breakthrough News. In a response to an appeal for donations, she characterized the subpoena as a significant threat to independent journalism.

Benjamin co-founded Code Pink with Jodi Evans, who was married to Singham. After the sale of his technology firm, Singham invested heavily in various pro-communist organizations.

In March, Piker, Benjamin, and Evans traveled to Cuba to support the communist regime, which has raised eyebrows given ongoing investigations into potential violations of U.S. sanctions related to that visit.

Despite these events, they framed their critiques as advocacy for political freedom, ignoring the long history of restrictions on dissent under communist governments.

Investigations into Singham and His Network

Separately, U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton is investigating allegations of financial misconduct involving Singham, linked to the funding of the three organizations. The State Department has also identified People’s Forum and Code Pink as participants in Cuba’s efforts to promote communism.

The reactions from individuals affiliated with the Singham network suggest a unified front against what they perceive as political persecution, invoking terms like “McCarthyism” and “censorship,” rather than addressing the committee’s concerns regarding foreign funding and transparency.

Fundraising and Coordinated Messaging

A fundraising campaign initiated the same day as the subpoenas represents a broader effort to combat this investigation. The People’s Forum launched a petition requesting legal funds and organizing help. Breakthrough News also sought donations and public support, urging followers to “fight back” against what they see as an unjust attack on journalism.

By the next morning, various activists from both political and foreign backgrounds echoed these sentiments, framing the subpoenas as a violation of rights. There has been a significant pushback from individuals who historically have had varying stances on media freedom, highlighting a shared concern over perceived attacks on freedom of expression.

Financial Investigation Details

At the heart of the investigation is the intricate financial structure of Singham’s network. Allegations suggest that his funds have flowed through intermediaries to obscure their original sources. The committee has requested extensive records related to funding, contracts, and communications involving foreign entities.

As of the latest reports, a coordinated anti-propaganda campaign has spread online criticizing the Singham network, drawing further attention to the ongoing investigations and their implications for independent media in the U.S.