Foreign Charities Funnel $2 Billion into U.S. Political Causes, Reports Say

By Newsmax Wires | Saturday, 08 November 2025 11:26 AM EST

A new report by Americans for Public Trust reveals that foreign charities have funneled nearly $2 billion into U.S. political causes and environmental activism over the past decade, according to Executive Director Caitlin Sutherland. She told Newsmax on Saturday that this funding supports an “extreme green energy agenda” aimed at undermining American democracy.

Sutherland stated that five foreign charities have secretly directed over $2 billion into U.S. political groups, causes, and nonprofits. This money finances “outrageous” initiatives such as climate litigation and research, she claimed, arguing these efforts advance a foreign activist agenda. The report highlights an increasing overlap between U.S.-based dark money networks and foreign charities sharing a common goal: eroding democracy and promoting extremist views.

Sutherland emphasized that the funds are not limited to advocacy groups but also support protests, lawsuits, and university research tied to climate activism. She noted that foreign money is being used to finance litigation against the oil and gas industry and to fund climate-related research under the guise of environmental concerns. These efforts, she said, represent “extremist groups causing disruption on a daily basis.”

While federal law prohibits foreign governments and nationals from directly donating to U.S. candidates or political committees, Sutherland pointed to legal loopholes allowing foreign donors to influence policy through nonprofit and advocacy networks. She praised recent legislative actions, including Senate legislation led by Sen. Bill Hagerty of Tennessee, which aims to block foreign funding in electoral tools like ballot harvesting and state ballot issue campaigns.

The report also cites evidence of “foreign propaganda at work in colleges and universities,” with Sutherland claiming such funding influences campus culture. She cited a University of Tennessee survey where students reported climate anxiety, which she attributed to foreign-backed initiatives. Examples include policies pushing for bans on private vehicles and meat consumption—policies she called “extremist” and inconsistent with American public opinion.

Sutherland urged stronger action from state governments to cut off foreign funding, citing Florida’s efforts to restrict such donations. She called on Americans to review the report’s findings, which detail the flow of funds to domestic organizations, and to hold groups accountable for their sources of support.