The controversy surrounding a pro-China media outlet has sparked a wave of defensive rhetoric from prominent left-wing figures, who have rallied around the outlet in response to congressional subpoenas.
The House Ways and Means Committee recently issued subpoenas to three nonprofits, including the media outlet BreakThrough News, as part of an investigation into alleged foreign influence by China in U.S. politics.
The nonprofits in question have received millions of dollars from Neville Roy Singham, a tech tycoon who has ties to China. BreakThrough News, in particular, has been accused of failing to produce responsive documents following earlier requests for information.
Pro-communist influencers and organizations have come to the defense of BreakThrough News, echoing similar attacks on the congressional investigation. Among those speaking out are livestream influencer Hasan Piker and Medea Benjamin, co-founder of the nonprofit CodePink, which has also received funding from Singham.
Piker has described the subpoenas as a "McCarthy-style" witch hunt, while Benjamin has characterized the move as a "terrible attack on independent journalism." The two have also called on supporters to sign a petition and donate to BreakThrough News' fundraising campaign.
The campaign to defend BreakThrough News has spread rapidly across social media, with other prominent left-wing figures weighing in on the issue. The People's Forum, which is also linked to Singham, has launched a petition and fundraising appeal to finance its response to the subpoenas.
At the heart of the committee's inquiry is the network's financial architecture, which allegedly allows foreign-linked funding to flow through shell companies and donor-advised funds. The committee has requested records concerning foreign-linked funding and projects managed by the nonprofits in question.
The controversy has sparked debate about the role of foreign influence in U.S. politics and the need for stronger nonprofit laws. While the nonprofits in question have denied any wrongdoing, the investigation has raised concerns about the potential for foreign powers to shape public discourse.
