A bombshell report from the America First Policy Institute has uncovered a massive foreign-funded influence operation that funneled nearly $100 million through the Sixteen Thirty Fund to alter state policies across 25 U.S. states, targeting highly divisive issues such as abortion, drug decriminalization, election law, and gerrymandering.
Foreign Money Exploits Ballot Initiative Loophole
While federal election law prohibits foreign nationals from directly influencing elections for public office, a dangerous loophole—as exposed by the report—permits foreign actors to legally contribute to ballot initiative campaigns in most states. That distinction allowed foreign interests to effectively rewrite laws without ever electing a single official.
Key facts from the America First Policy Institute and Americans for Public Trust include:
- $100 million in foreign-linked funds passed through the Sixteen Thirty Fund to ballot initiatives in 25 states.
- Only a handful of states — such as Ohio, California, and Maryland — have laws partially prohibiting foreign funds, often only targeting foreign-owned corporations, not individuals.
- Public opposition is overwhelming: A University of Maryland poll showed 80% of Americans support a national ban on foreign contributions to ballot campaigns.
Case Study: Ohio
Ohio was one of the most affected states, receiving over $14 million from Sixteen Thirty Fund-backed initiatives aimed at:
- Decriminalizing fentanyl possession despite an ongoing opioid crisis.
- Inserting radical abortion language into the state’s constitution.
- Forcing gerrymandering schemes under the pretext of “protecting democracy.”
This prompted Ohio lawmakers to act. In 2024, the state banned foreign funds in ballot initiatives after 85% of voters expressed strong opposition to foreign influence.
“Not Hypothetical—It’s Happening”
In a Fox News segment, Caitlyn Sutherland, Executive Director of Americans for Public Trust, warned:
“This is not a hypothetical. This is a coordinated foreign influence campaign. Foreign billionaires are exploiting state-level ballot processes to implement extremist policies that couldn’t pass through a democratic legislative process.”
She emphasized that the agenda is not about “reproductive rights” or “democracy” — as claimed by Sixteen Thirty Fund — but about bypassing American institutions to advance far-left objectives using money from non-citizen interests.
The Left’s Definition of “Democracy”
Sutherland noted:
“When the left says ‘democracy,’ they mean using any means necessary to force their policies into law. There’s nothing democratic about using foreign dark money to subvert the will of U.S. voters.”
Sixteen Thirty Fund responded to Fox News by stating it “complies with all laws” and is “proud” to support ballot initiatives that promote its goals. However, transparency groups argue that legality does not equal legitimacy—particularly when foreign nationals are shaping domestic laws in states where they do not reside and have no stake.
Nationwide Momentum to End Foreign Influence
In the wake of this report:
- Ohio, Arizona, and Florida are among the growing list of states moving to ban all foreign contributions to ballot initiatives.
- Legal experts and state officials are pressuring Congress to close the loophole at the federal level.
- Activists are demanding full disclosure of the donors behind the Sixteen Thirty Fund’s network and accountability for state officials who enable this foreign interference.
Conclusion
The revelations about Sixteen Thirty Fund’s foreign-funded agenda should alarm every American — regardless of party. Allowing foreign billionaires to alter U.S. laws from the shadows poses a direct threat to sovereignty, transparency, and constitutional integrity.
This scandal makes one thing abundantly clear: ballot integrity is not just about the vote — it’s about who writes the rules we’re voting on.
