The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) recently uncovered a disturbing trend: over $100 million in foreign dark money has been funneled into the United States, allegedly laundered through nonprofit organizations. At the center of this scheme is the Sixteen Thirty Fund, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit linked to the Arabella Advisors network. The Sixteen Thirty Fund, known for its role in supporting left-leaning political causes, has been identified as a primary conduit for these foreign funds. Arabella Advisors, a consultancy managing a web of progressive nonprofits, is also implicated by association. According to AFPI’s findings, this dark money—contributions obscured from public scrutiny—originates from foreign entities seeking to influence American politics, raising alarms about the integrity of the democratic process.
This foreign funding is being channeled into ballot initiatives, a mechanism that allows citizens to propose and vote on laws or amendments directly, circumventing traditional legislative channels. The Sixteen Thirty Fund has used these funds to bankroll campaigns that shape state-level policies, including those governing elections. This influence is particularly concerning because it could open the door for non-citizens to vote in US elections. For instance, initiatives might propose changes like lowering the voting age, relaxing residency requirements, or altering voter eligibility rules—changes that could, intentionally or not, expand voting access to non-citizens. Such outcomes threaten the principle of citizen-led governance, as foreign actors could effectively manipulate election laws to serve their interests, undermining the sovereignty of American voters.
AFPI’s report highlights that the Sixteen Thirty Fund has directed nearly $100 million toward ballot initiatives across 25 states, focusing on regions with competitive elections or emerging progressive agendas. In Ohio, over $14 million has been spent on initiatives addressing fentanyl penalties and abortion laws, while Michigan has seen $34 million invested in various causes since 2017. Other states, though not fully detailed in every source, likely include battlegrounds where election outcomes hang in the balance or where policy shifts could have national implications. This strategic targeting underscores the scale of the operation and its potential to reshape the political landscape, all fueled by foreign contributions funneled through domestic nonprofits.
This revelation demands scrutiny, as the interplay of foreign money and ballot initiatives poses a significant risk to the integrity of US elections.
