Two top House Republicans say China is throwing gasoline on the fire. They warn that foreign money undermines US AI infrastructure. This happens through America’s own charitable system. The lawmakers sent a letter this week. They asked Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to investigate. They also asked IRS Chief Frank Bisignano to look. They want to know if overseas cash blocks data centers. These centers are vital for US tech competition.
The focus is on Neville Roy Singham. He is a tech tycoon born in America. He has pumped hundreds of millions into nonprofits. A Fox News Digital investigation found the amount. Singham funneled $285 million since 2017. The money went to six US nonprofits. It moved through two shell corporations. It also used a donor-advised fund at Goldman Sachs. Goldman Sachs closed the account in 2024.
The recipients include CodePink and the ANSWER Coalition. These groups describe themselves as pro-China. They actively fight data center development. Protesters from these groups carry signs against AI. They merge anti-Trump sentiments with pro-Cuba messages. One sign read "SHUT IT DOWN!" in Chapel Hill. This happened in North Carolina earlier this month.
Rep. Jason Smith leads the Ways and Means Committee. He said China wants to stall US AI advances. He told Fox News this is not organic. He said the Chinese Communist Party helps fuel opposition. Smith argued that tax-exempt status is a privilege. He said it is not a right. He warned against subsidizing hostility with tax dollars.
Rep. John Moolenaar chairs the Select Committee on the CCP. He called these groups astroturf rather than grassroots. He said they are fake and funded by foreign partners. He pointed to propaganda and online bots. Moolenaar said China tries to exploit American freedoms. He noted they manipulate messaging to turn people against tech. The goal is Chinese dominance in the AI war.
The lawmakers urge a check on tax-exempt organizations. They want to see if foreign interests benefit privately. They ask if intermediary entities launder money origins. They seek transparency in the flow of funds. Singham has not responded to requests for comment. The nonprofits deny being part of foreign operations. Smith and Moolenaar say transparency is key. They want to ensure the tax code is not weaponized.
The letter was sent on Tuesday. It comes as President Trump prepares to meet Xi Jinping. The topic is the future of artificial intelligence. Smith said Americans have real concerns about data centers. These include electricity costs and water usage. However, he said foreign backers should not exploit these issues. He said they should not slow US technological development. The investigation aims to uncover the full money trail.
This probe highlights a broader concern about foreign influence. Lawmakers say the issue extends beyond taxes. They mention possible Foreign Agents Registration Act violations. They want to stop the manipulation of public opinion. The goal is to protect American industry interests. The findings could change how nonprofits operate. The public deserves to know who funds their protests.