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Treasury Secretary Scrutinized for Alleged Chinese Communist Party Influence Operations in the U.S.

Treasury Secretary Scrutinized for Alleged Chinese Communist Party Influence Operations in the U.S.

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 Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent finds himself at the center of a congressional investigation targeting alleged Chinese Communist Party influence operations within the United States. The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has formally requested that Bessent and the Treasury Department immediately evaluate potential sanctions and asset seizure measures against entities linked to Neville Roy Singham, a US citizen accused of funding far-left organizations on behalf of the Chinese government.

The September 15th letter from Committee Chairman James Comer and Taskforce Chairwoman Anna Paulina Luna specifically calls for Treasury to determine whether federal sanctions laws apply to Singham and nineteen organizations allegedly connected to him. These groups include the Party for Socialism and Liberation, Code Pink, and several pro-Palestinian organizations that have organized nationwide protests.

Congressional investigators claim Singham has created an elaborate dark money network, funneling nearly two million dollars through shell nonprofits to Chinese media companies. The New York Times previously reported that Singham, who now resides in China, has directed hundreds of millions of dollars to groups that promote Chinese government talking points while engaging in progressive advocacy within America.

The investigation gained urgency following reports that Singham-linked organizations have expanded their activities to include civil unrest in Los Angeles, prompting President Trump to deploy the National Guard to protect federal law enforcement officials. Data scientist Jennica Pounds has documented connections between these groups and recent civil disobedience campaigns.

Committee members are particularly concerned about potential violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act, arguing that Singham may be implementing China's documented Strategy of Sowing Discord without proper disclosure to US authorities. The strategy aims to create internal disputes that distract adversaries from external conflicts.

Bessent now faces pressure to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of whether the Treasury Department can freeze or seize assets belonging to Singham and the listed organizations. The committee has also requested regular briefings on Treasury's progress in combating Chinese Communist Party influence operations more broadly.

This investigation represents a significant test of Bessent's approach to using financial tools against foreign influence campaigns targeting American civil society.

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