Originally published July 11, 2023 7:03 am PDT
In a shocking revelation, a report by Americans for Public Trust exposes how Swiss billionaire Hansjörg Wyss has been exploiting a loophole in U.S. law to influence American politics and policy.
The report reveals that Wyss, who is strictly prohibited from directly or indirectly influencing U.S. elections under federal law, has funneled $475 million in foreign dark money into the American political system over several decades.
“For decades, a Swiss billionaire has been allowed to flood the American political system with $475 million in foreign dark money to bankroll the radical left and indirectly influence U.S. policy,” the report states.
This has been done with little to no transparency, public scrutiny, or government oversight.
Wyss has used his personal fortune to finance radical left-wing causes and political attack ads.
His contributions have been funneled through his nonprofit groups, the Wyss Foundation and the Berger Action Fund (BAF), which are used as vehicles to influence U.S. politics.
“Since their creation, these two organizations have donated a staggering $475 million to exert political influence in America,” the report says.
The report further highlights that the organizations benefiting from Wyss’ money have all denied using these funds for overt political spending.
However, they have refused to provide transparency about their spending, raising questions about their activities and the extent of Wyss’ influence.
The Sixteen Thirty Fund, part of the Arabella Advisors network, has received a staggering $209 million from Wyss’ Berger Action Fund, channeling these funds into various leftist causes.
Another prominent recipient of Wyss’ funding is the Center for American Progress (CAP), a leading liberal think tank co-founded by Wyss.
His nonprofits have given CAP over $10 million since its inception.
Additionally, the League of Conservation Voters, a group promoting voter mobilization and pro-abortion candidates, has also benefited from Wyss’ substantial financial support.
Planned Parenthood has received $6 million from Wyss.
These groups have played pivotal roles in shaping public policy areas, including environmental issues, abortion, and the judicial system, while providing Wyss with insider access to key members of the political landscape.
Wyss’ contributions have been particularly significant in the realm of climate policy.
“In May 2023, FBF’s ‘Climate Power’—along with Democrat-aligned Future Forward USA Action and Way to Win Action—announced a $20 million ad buy that would attempt to highlight,” according to the report.
Propelled by nearly $91 million from Wyss, Climate Power has spent tens of millions of dollars on paid media pushing President Joe Biden’s infrastructure and climate agenda.
The report concludes with a call for action, urging Congress to launch a sweeping investigation into how Wyss and other foreign citizens use dark money to influence American politics and policy.
It also calls for legislation that outright bans foreign nationals from contributing to 501(c)(4) social welfare organizations, to ensure that U.S. elections are free from foreign meddling and ill intent.
This report underscores the urgent need for greater transparency and stricter regulations to prevent foreign influence in U.S. politics.
The extent of Wyss’ influence raises serious questions about the integrity of the American political system and the need for immediate reform.
Americans for Public Trust “is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to restoring trust in government by holding politicians and political groups accountable for corrupt and unethical behavior,” according to the group’s website. “We use in-depth investigations and bold legal action to ensure that those who disregard the rule of law are held responsible. By raising awareness of this work, we help to rebuild public faith in our elected leaders.”
Read the full report below:
