Congress Investigates Nonprofits in Singham’s Network

Lawmakers have intensified their investigation into three nonprofits associated with Neville Roy Singham’s funding network. The House Ways and Means Committee has warned that leaders of these organizations, and Singham himself, may face Congress unless they comply with subpoenas by Tuesday.

The Republican-led committee has requested financial records and documents. They are exploring whether funds from Singham’s networks are supporting Chinese Communist Party interests in the U.S. Singham is among 21 people identified for possible questioning, including nonprofit executives and journalists linked to the organizations.

The People’s Forum, BreakThrough News, and Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research are under scrutiny.

The People’s Forum, an activist hub in New York City, BreakThrough News, a nonprofit media outlet, and Tricontinental, a Marxist think tank, received letters from the committee. Jason Smith, the committee chairman, emphasized the importance of transparency in handling these funds.

Efforts to obtain financial records began in 2025, escalating when subpoenas were issued in July. The organizations argue that the investigation targets their political views and violates First Amendment activities.

Who Could Face Questioning?

Potential targets for deposition include personnel from each organization. Notable figures are Manolo De Los Santos, Layan Fuleihan, and David Chung from The People’s Forum. Ben Becker, Zoe Alexandra, and Rania Khalek from BreakThrough News, along with Vijay Prashad and Singham from Tricontinental, are also named.

No deposition subpoenas have been issued to these individuals yet. The committee’s focus is whether these nonprofits are adhering to tax laws and preventing foreign influence.

Singham’s Network

Singham has allegedly used shell companies to funnel money to these tax-exempt groups, blurring the original funding sources. An estimated $278 million has flowed through U.S. nonprofits under his control, promoting socialist and pro-China causes.

Among this, The People’s Forum received $22.44 million, Tricontinental $16.76 million, and BreakThrough BT Media Inc. $1.098 million. The committee questions existing tax law adequacy against foreign influence and may introduce legislative changes.

Separately, Singham faces a federal grand jury investigation for potential financial crimes through his nonprofit network. Allegations include wire and bank fraud but lack criminal charges so far.

BreakThrough News’s Response

BreakThrough News opposes the committee’s demands, citing attacks on their political beliefs. The outlet claims independence in editorial decisions and substantial donations from U.S. organizations.

During a live program, Alexandra and Khalek express discontent with the committee’s actions, asserting threats to individual rights and First Amendment protections. They seek public support to combat the investigation.

The committee’s actions have provoked accusations of McCarthyism from well-known leftist figures. They criticize the probes as an attack on independent journalism.

Congressional Tension

Initially, the committee requested documentation from The People’s Forum in 2025. This expanded to other organizations in 2026. After legal challenges, the committee narrowed their demands but issued subpoenas in July.

Supporters claim the investigation is about organizational finances, not political ideologies. Attorneys for the organizations argue the subpoenas seek information beyond the committee’s authority.

The organizations have yet to comply, leaving room for negotiation if demands change.