Pro-China Network Fuels Anti-US Protests Amid Trump-Xi Talks
Lawmakers express concern over coordinated demonstrations by groups funded by Neville Roy Singham, arguing they create a perception of U.S. instability that China could exploit.
A network of organizations, allegedly funded by Chinese tech tycoon Neville Roy Singham, has organized a series of protests across the United States, from Austin, Texas, to New York City. These demonstrations, timed to coincide with high-stakes negotiations between former President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, have drawn criticism from lawmakers who suggest they could be exploited by China to project an image of internal U.S. discord.
The week of activism included protests against the U.S. military, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and technology companies, often carrying messaging critical of the United States while remaining silent on China's human rights record. Jodie Evans, Singham's wife and co-founder of the far-left nonprofit CodePink, was seen participating in demonstrations outside the United Nations in New York City.
Lawmakers have voiced concerns about the transparency and potential foreign influence behind these groups. Rep. Jason Smith (R-Mo.), chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, stated that the public needs to be aware that these movements may not be entirely organic. Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Mich.), chairman of the House Select Committee on China, described the network's grassroots appearance as "Astroturf, very fake," and raised concerns about foreign influence and potential violations of U.S. campaign and political rules.
Fox News Digital investigations have documented that Singham has channeled approximately $285 million through a donor-advised fund and shell companies into a network of organizations. This network includes CodePink, which reportedly received $1.33 million, and the People's Forum, a hub for the recent protests, which received $22.44 million. BreakThrough News, described as a media arm of the network, received $1.098 million and has been disseminating images and videos of the protests.
Sources indicate that the Justice Department's Southern District of New York has convened a federal grand jury to investigate Singham's financial network, examining potential wire fraud, bank fraud, or money laundering. Singham, the People's Forum, CodePink, and BreakThrough News have not responded to requests for comment.
The protests began Sunday night in Austin with an anti-ICE demonstration, amplified by socialist and communist organizations such as the Democratic Socialists of America, Freedom Road Socialist Organization, and Party for Socialism and Liberation. Although media reports characterized the protest as spontaneous, mobilization efforts were coordinated through existing activist channels, including social media promotion and shared messaging.
On Monday, the demonstrations moved to New York City, with CodePink activists participating in events tied to Climate Week and the United Nations. Protesters targeted OpenAI offices, linking artificial intelligence data centers to the "military-industrial complex." Later, a film screening at the People's Forum, titled "Earth's Greatest Enemy," depicted the U.S. military as a significant driver of environmental destruction.
As Xi Jinping prepared for talks with Trump, the People's Forum, CodePink, and other groups within the Singham network organized a protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday. Social media posts advertised a march from Bryant Park to the United Nations, condemning Netanyahu and the "genocidal Zionist project."
On Friday, the schedule included a planned protest at Austin City Hall, with organizers calling for action and demonstrating bravery, echoing a message from earlier events in Minneapolis.