Lawmakers press for probe of Chinese diaspora groups alleged election interference

Top House lawmakers are pressing Treasury and the IRS to investigate U.S. tax-exempt nonprofits allegedly co-opted by the Chinese Communist Party to interfere in American elections and politics.

The nonprofits are called "hometown" organizations, formed by immigrants from the same towns or provinces in China to welcome new immigrants, organize parades and help members maintain social and cultural ties.

The lawmakers warned that the groups are part of a CCP "United Front" strategy, which a prior congressional memo described as "a unique blend of engagement, influence activities and intelligence operations" used to shape political environments and advance Beijing's interests abroad. They noted that some of these groups are created under the guise of Chinese expatriates creating "overseas friendship" in the world.

A Fox News Digital investigation tracked $278 million that Singham poured into a network of groups that fuel anti-American protests in the United States, support China and now back the Islamic Republic of Iran, a strategic partner of China and a major source of its oil imports, in nationwide protests today. Singham and the groups he has funded didn't respond to a request for comment.

The new letter from Moolenaar and Smith targeted another set of organizations formed in the Chinese diaspora but the wide scope of their concers -- from the far-left groups to the diaspora community groups -- speaks to a complex influence operations campaign by China.

The letter highlights concerns about so-called "hometown associations," community-based groups originally formed to connect Chinese diaspora communities but which lawmakers say have been "co-opted" by the CCP and incorporated into its broader influence network.

Lawmakers allege those organizations have engaged in political activity prohibited under federal tax law, which bars 501(c)(3) groups from participating in campaigns for or against candidates.

The lawmakers also pointed to cases in which individuals and organizations were allegedly pressured or coerced by Chinese officials or affiliated groups, including efforts to block political candidates critical of Beijing from engaging with local communities. They further warned that networks linked to China's United Front can serve as "cover for other nefarious operations" tied to Chinese security agencies, including the Ministry of Public Security and Ministry of State Security.

Lawmakers requested a briefing by April 22 on what steps the IRS is taking "to address these threats to our political institutions."

Leo Briceno and Hanna Brennan contributed to this report.