Many left-wing organizations behind the recent so-called “grassroots” protests in May are reportedly financed by a hidden network comprising two billionaires and progressive nonprofits.
Between 2016 and 2023, over $500 million has been funneled from the organization of Swiss billionaire Hanjorg Wyss to George Soros’s Open Society Foundation and various progressive groups.
The funding, while not specifically aimed at inciting a May Day protest, has supported numerous self-described grassroots progressive activist groups over time.
“The hypocrisy surrounding May Day protests is striking,” stated Caitlyn Sutherland, the executive director of American Trust.
“These organizations create the illusion that they are run by everyday Americans, but in reality, they are funded by some of the largest dark money donors in politics.”
Organizers compiled over 1,000 protests nationwide from Thursday through May, aimed at demonstrations against President Trump, which were leaked over the weekend.
International Labor Day and Spring celebrations make May Day important in some countries, serving as a platform for foreign labor movements to voice various causes.
The “50501” movement—aiming for “50 protests across 50 states”—formed as an anti-Trump initiative in January and attempted to transfer its international momentum to the U.S. last week through statewide protests.
In the U.S., the protests were framed as a fight against “Trump and his billionaire interests.”
Much of the activism was aimed at tech mogul Elon Musk, who is expected to significantly decrease his cost-cutting role in the Trump administration soon.
“Trump and his billionaire interests are attempting to create a race to the bottom regarding wages, benefits, and dignity,” stated the 50501 movement on their website prior to the demonstration.
They asserted, “We demand a country that prioritizes public schools over private interests, healthcare over hedge funds, and prosperity over free-market politics.”
According to reviews and verified records, about 30 participating groups received around $293.6 million from the Wyss groups, $47 million from the Arabella Network, and $142 million from Soros’s Open Society Foundation.
Prominent leftist groups involved in the demonstrations included the Sunrise Movement, Indivisible, and Planned Parenthood.
Tax filings indicate that the Sunrise Movement has received $2.07 million from Arabella Network donors, while Indivisible has gotten $107,000 from Arabella, $6.5 million from the Wyss Group, and $7.6 million from Soros’s foundation.
An Open Society Foundations representative told the Post, “We did not fund or coordinate the May Day protest. We support a wide array of organizations committed to justice and democratic participation, but it’s up to them how they engage politically.”
The Arabella Network representative commented, “We are a nonpartisan organization that offers operational and administrative support to philanthropists and nonprofits.”
The Arabella Network data encompasses IRS Form 990 details from 16 30 Funds, North Fund, New Venture Fund, and Hopewell Fund.
Wyss’s group also includes initiatives from his charity, the Wyss Foundation, and his advocacy division, the Berger Action Fund.
Despite being unable to make political donations due to his Swiss citizenship, the 89-year-old Wyss has become a leading supporter of left-wing causes in America, funnelling money through a dark money group.
“Dark money” refers to political funding that is not subject to disclosure regulations, thus keeping donor identities private.
Wyss made his fortune from Synthes, a medical device manufacturer sold to Johnson & Johnson over a decade ago.
One of the major organizations benefitting from Wyss is a significant liberal dark money group, which has received more than $278 million from his organization.
A representative from Wyss’s organization did not return a request for comment.
The May Day demonstrations in the U.S. mark the latest anti-Trump protests since the 2024 election victory.
