U.S. Lawmakers Pressure Nonprofits Linked to Neville Roy Singham’s Network
Lawmakers have intensified their investigation into three nonprofits associated with Neville Roy Singham’s funding network. They have warned that leaders of these organizations, and potentially Singham himself, could be summoned before Congress unless they comply with subpoenas by the stipulated deadline.
The House Ways and Means Committee, led by Republicans, has reiterated its demand for financial records and documents. They are probing whether the money funneled through Singham’s network of tax-exempt nonprofits has been directed to support Chinese Communist Party interests in the U.S.
Sources from Fox News Digital indicate that Singham is one of 21 individuals the committee is considering questioning under oath. The list includes executives, activists, and journalists connected to these nonprofits.
The U.S. Capitol is juxtaposed with Neville Roy Singham, highlighting the tech tycoon’s potential questioning by the House Ways and Means Committee regarding alleged foreign influence within his nonprofit funding network.
The organizations involved are The People’s Forum Inc., based in New York City; BreakThrough News, also located in Manhattan; and Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research in Massachusetts.
Jason Smith, Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, stated, “Singham has invested substantial amounts into these organizations to exploit America’s nonprofit sector and promote Chinese propaganda. The real concern is what these groups are attempting to conceal.” He added that these organizations must provide the documents or their leaders will face questioning under oath.
This development follows an initial request for records in 2025, elevated by subpoenas issued in July. The involved nonprofits have contested the investigation, claiming that it targets their political opinions and activities protected by the First Amendment.
Individuals Facing Potential Questioning
The committee has identified potential deposition targets, including:
- Manolo De Los Santos, executive director of The People’s Forum
- Layan Fuleihan, education director of The People’s Forum
- David Chung, organizing director of The People’s Forum
- Ben Becker, editor-in-chief of BreakThrough News
- Zoe Alexandra, news director of BreakThrough News
- Rania Khalek, chief correspondent of BreakThrough News
- Vijay Prashad, executive director of Tricontinental
- Neville Roy Singham, chairman of Tricontinental’s international advisory board
The committee has not publicly confirmed if deposition subpoenas have been issued to these individuals.
The People’s Forum leaders were seen attending an anti-Netanyahu protest, illustrating their active involvement in political and social causes.
Singham’s Network Under Scrutiny
Lawmakers allege Singham channeled funds through shell companies and donor-advised funds to obscure the source of contributions. Singham, an American-born former technology entrepreneur, sold his company ThoughtWorks for around $785 million in 2017 and now resides in Shanghai.
Investigations have linked at least $278 million from Singham to several U.S. nonprofits, serving as funding hubs for supporting socialist, communist, and pro-China initiatives. Among them, The People’s Forum reportedly received $22.44 million, Tricontinental $16.76 million, and BreakThrough BT Media Inc. $1.098 million.
The committee is examining whether current tax laws are effective against foreign influence in the nonprofit sector. Singham is also under a federal grand jury investigation for possible financial crimes.
BreakThrough News’ Response
BreakThrough News criticized the committee’s actions in a statement on October 9, asserting the targeting of its journalists due to their political perspectives. The outlet denies receiving external editorial influence, citing major contributions from U.S. organizations.
During their BT Live program, hosts Alexandra and Khalek condemned the committee’s actions. “Subpoenas threaten our free speech unless we renounce our First Amendment rights,” Alexandra explained. Khalek expressed concern about personal targeting, stating, “If we resist, we will face individual subpoenas.”
BreakThrough News is urging supporters to sign a petition against the investigation and contribute to its legal funding.
Requests for comments from the organizations involved have not been answered as of this publication.
The investigation has sparked allegations of McCarthyism from prominent leftist figures. These include Hasan Piker, who criticized the subpoenas as resembling “McCarthy trials,” and Medea Benjamin, who labeled them an attack on independent journalism.’
David Chung of The People’s Forum is depicted promoting anti-war demonstrations, illustrating the active role these organizations play in political activism.
Tug-of-war in Congress
The committee initially requested records from The People’s Forum in 2025, later expanding the inquiry to BreakThrough News and Tricontinental in early 2026. Following resistance, the inquiry was narrowed down in May, before subpoenas were sent in July.
Records sought involve foreign-related funding, financial dealings, communications with Singham, and details on donors and international grants. Attorneys for BreakThrough News and The People’s Forum objected in August, arguing that their First Amendment rights were infringed upon.
The committee insists the investigation is about finances and operations, not political ideologies or journalism.