British hedge fund billionaire Christopher Hohn has announced he is stopping U.S. funding for left‑wing organizations after a watchdog exposed a $553 million operation through his foundation.
Hohn’s vehicle, the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), previously directed substantial grants to climate, DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion), and other advocacy groups across America. The decision follows a report by Americans for Public Trust (APT) that detailed CIFF’s financial links to dozens of U.S. nonprofits, calling the agenda “radicalization of the U.S. political landscape.”
CIFF responded that it no longer has confidence in the clarity of U.S. laws and policy toward foreign donors. As a precaution, it plans to redirect funding to non‑U.S. NGOs and restructure contracts accordingly. The foundation clarified that existing support to multilateral institutions headquartered in the U.S. would not be affected.
APT’s report claims the foundation funneled more than $553 million into U.S. causes from 2014 to 2023. Among the allegations: donations to groups that litigate against fossil fuel firms, support climate activism, promote DEI policies, and coordinate protests.
The funding shift raises deeper questions about foreign influence in American politics. APT’s executive director called on Congress to tighten rules preventing foreign money from shaping U.S. nonprofit and policy landscapes.
This development marks a rare example of a high‑profile donor retracting support amid scrutiny. The move may signal caution and recalibration among other global philanthropists engaging in American political and social causes.
