Let’s separate the facts from the fiction on foreign money in U.S. politics.
According to the Federal Election Commission, federal law prohibits foreign nationals from directly or indirectly making any contributions or donations in association with, or covering any expenditures or disbursements related to, any U.S. federal, state, or local election. This prohibition includes any direct or indirect advances by foreign nationals to candidates, political parties, and political action committees.
Also, foreign nationals may not have any involvement in decisions connected with election-related affairs. A foreign national is any person who is not a citizen of the United States and not lawfully admitted for permanent residence, or a foreign principal such as a foreign government, political party, corporation, partnership, association, or organization.
Unfortunately, a loophole exists through donations to U.S. tax-exempt, nonprofit 501(c)(4) “social welfare” organizations, which can spend directly on advocacy as well as forward funds to political groups. 501(c)(4) organizations are not required by law to disclose the identity of their donors and can fund political activities, thus such funding is often referred to as “dark money.”
On Feb. 10, 2026, Americans for Public Trust, a self-professed nonpartisan, independent organization, released a report that found six foreign left-wing funding sources funneled in excess of $2.65 billion into U.S. politics through contributions to left-wing American advocacy groups. The foreign organizations identified in the report have advocated left-wing causes such as climate justice, and in some cases, supported China’s Belt and Road Initiative, as well as possessed connections to organizations in China tied to the Chinese Communist Party. While Americans for Public Trust is to be commended for uncovering that a significant amount of foreign funds had been injected into U.S. politics, this is probably just the tip of the iceberg, as the actual amount is certainly considerably higher.
This loophole, which provides a pathway for foreign individuals, governments, and other parties to inject their money into U.S. politics, is alarming. Foreign governments hostile to the U.S., such as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, almost certainly have used this loophole to infuse funds into American politics to influence elections.
When you consider that the Democratic Party is in favor of a strong centralized government, advocates abolishing the Electoral College, wants to pack the U.S. Supreme Court, endorses statehood for both the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, promotes implementing extreme climate mandates, is pro-illegal immigration, supports racial conflict, is anti-police, is opposed to merit-based standards, champions diversity, equity, and inclusion, is against the right to bear arms, fights free speech, is hostile to religion, and disdains the U.S. Constitution, it is easy to see that their positions are contrary to core American values, detrimental to the U.S., and would be viewed favorably and supported by Marxist-based and other foreign governments antagonistic to America.
The Democratic Party, with foreign financial support, could extend its tentacles further into the media and education to gain power and control over the U.S. for its desired one-party rule. Foreign adversaries of the U.S. could use democratic principles to attack America from within in an effort to bring about its decay and eventual fall.
President Xi Jinping of China has referred to the U.S. as a declining power and bases his position on internal conflict and racial friction in the U.S. With the ability to inject funds into the U.S., China and other less-than-friendly nations to America could provide money to groups in our country to inflame debate, controversy, and conflict, including on racial issues.
During the COVID-19 pandemic where all fingers were pointing at China for causing the crisis, did Xi inject funds into the U.S. to cause disagreement and direct attention politically and otherwise away from China?
Many have speculated as to how major protests are organized and funded in the U.S. These protests are too large and well planned to be organic. It requires significant funding to manufacture these events. It is easy to see how China and other countries that view the U.S. unfavorably might want to forward money to American parties to incite such chaos.
Of great concern is the impact that foreign money can have on U.S. elections, such as the midterm elections later this year. Foreign players inimical to the U.S. could fund office seekers who they find favorable to their interests at the expense of candidates who are best for America.
Foreign bad actors opposed to the U.S. might go even further to support the assassination of people in America who they find problematic, such as President Donald Trump.
Foreign money in U.S. politics is of great concern and requires much further investigation. Ultimately, foreign money must be eliminated from U.S. politics.
DON’T LET FOREIGN MONEY TURN OUR COURTS INTO A JACKPOT MACHINE
In summation, we must consider the facts and not be fooled by the fiction.
And that’s my take.
Perry V. Kalajian is an attorney, consultant, analyst, and national television personality.