House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith is making serious allegations against The People’s Forum, a nonprofit organization. In a letter to Executive Director Manolo De Los Santos, Smith claimed that the group has acted as a foreign agent for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). He asserted that it has misused U.S. taxpayer benefits to promote protests and spread propaganda aligned with a government that opposes American interests. Smith expressed his concerns to Fox News Digital, stating, “Using U.S. taxpayer-subsidized tax-exempt status to promote foreign propaganda on behalf of a nation hostile to U.S. interests… while simultaneously justifying terrorism… is unacceptable and potentially in violation of U.S. law.”
Smith’s accusations come in the wake of violent events linked to the organization’s activities. He highlighted that following Hamas’ attack in Israel on October 7, The People’s Forum defended the actions of the terrorists, referring to their right to resist. This justification has drawn harsh criticism, with New York Governor Kathy Hochul calling the forum’s stance “abhorrent and morally repugnant.”
In his letter, Smith demanded records from The People’s Forum by September 18. These records include donor lists, contracts, and all communications related to the organization’s foreign connections. Should the nonprofit fail to comply, it may face legal consequences, including subpoenas and potential referrals to the IRS for revocation of its tax-exempt status. Smith is clear that accountability is essential, as he mentioned, “The American people deserve transparency.” The fallout from these allegations also saw The People’s Forum organize a politically charged rally in Times Square, which has not received a warm reception nationwide.
Smith’s concerns are not limited to just one incident or statement by The People’s Forum. He pointed to the group’s broader pattern of behavior, claiming it incited riots and protests at various college campuses. Specific incidents, such as riots against Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Los Angeles, resulted in violent clashes with law enforcement. Smith also emphasized the group’s promotion of narratives favorable to the CCP, which he believes complicates their operations within the U.S.
The extent of the organization’s financial connections raises further questions. Reports indicate that The People’s Forum accepted $20 million from Neville Roy Singham, an individual with deep ties to the CCP, alongside his wife, Jodie Evans, founder of Code Pink. Smith highlighted that this financial arrangement may categorize The People’s Forum as an unregistered agent of a foreign power… a serious violation under the Foreign Agents Registration Act.
Supporting Smith’s claims, investigations into Singham reveal a history of interactions with groups deemed harmful to U.S. interests. FBI records indicate that he was scrutinized for ties to questionable entities back in the 1970s. His later work as a consultant for Huawei, a company linked to the CCP, only adds to the complexity and seriousness of the nonprofit’s alleged activities.
The People’s Forum has not issued any public response to these accusations, leaving many questions unanswered. As investigations and demands for transparency proceed, the implications of these allegations could unravel a major story connecting domestic organizations to foreign influence. Smith’s firm stance illustrates a significant effort to uphold U.S. sovereignty against interference from foreign powers… especially as the global landscape grows increasingly fraught.
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