Nineteen Republican attorneys general are calling for a significant investigation into U.S.-based nonprofit organizations that have reportedly received substantial foreign funding. This request is directed toward the Department of Justice, urging a look into potential violations of foreign agent laws. The nonprofits in question accepted nearly $2 billion from foreign climate foundations over the last decade, raising concerns about foreign influence on U.S. energy policies.
In a letter first obtained by Fox News Digital, the attorneys general highlighted that some of these nonprofits may not have registered under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), a requirement for those acting on behalf of foreign entities. Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen spearheaded this initiative, indicating the serious implications of unchecked foreign funding on domestic policy.
The letter included a call for an investigation into over 150 organizations, backed by what the attorneys general describe as “substantial evidence.” They claim these nonprofits have engaged in coordinated funding and advocacy aimed at shaping U.S. energy policy, allegedly undermining American energy independence. Such accusations point to a concerning trend where foreign groups influence critical aspects of national policy without appropriate oversight or registration.
The attorneys general specifically named five foreign foundations—Oak Foundation, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, Quadrature Climate Foundation, KR Foundation, and Laudes Foundation—all of which have been identified by Americans for Public Trust as sources of this foreign funding. The financial support from these entities allegedly fuels climate activism and targets energy policy efforts across various channels, including litigation and lobbying activities.
A key point raised by the attorneys general is the assertion that at least one of these foreign entities, the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, has ties to the Chinese Communist Party. This raises further questions about the motivations behind such foreign financial support and its implications for U.S. governance. This concern has been echoed in a previous request made by over two dozen state attorneys general, seeking a FARA investigation into U.S.-based groups affiliated with CIFF.
The FARA statute mandates registration for any individuals or groups acting as agents of foreign principals engaged in particular political activities. The attorneys general argue that the foreign foundations qualify as such principals since they are based in countries like Switzerland, Denmark, and the United Kingdom. Their contention is that none of the nonprofits’ activities seem to fit within any exemptions provided by the law, which sets forth the burden of proof regarding exemptions squarely on the organizations seeking them.
The stakes are high. If the allegations hold merit, this could lead to significant changes in how nonprofits operate in relation to foreign funding. The potential for vast foreign influence on U.S. policy creates an urgent need for scrutiny and accountability. This investigation may serve as a critical step in ensuring that American energy independence remains protected from external pressures and agendas. The actions taken (or not taken) by the DOJ in response to this substantial request will reveal much about the current administration’s approach to foreign influence and domestic integrity.
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