WASHINGTON, D.C. – The chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee says his panel has gathered substantial evidence that certain U.S. tax-exempt nonprofits may be receiving foreign-linked funding tied to political activism and unrest, and he is pressing federal authorities to take action.
During a televised interview with commentator Bill O’Reilly, Jason Smith, a Republican from Missouri, said the committee has asked federal officials to revoke the tax-exempt status of multiple nonprofit organizations following an internal investigation into funding sources and activities.
Smith said his committee has sent formal communications to the U.S. Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service requesting review and possible revocation of 501(c)(3) status for 11 organizations. He stated that the referrals were based on what he described as a documented financial trail and supporting records reviewed by committee staff.
“We laid out tons of evidence,” Smith said in the interview, adding that he plans to meet with IRS leadership in the coming days to discuss the matter further.
Focus on Foreign Funding and Nonprofit Status
At issue is whether certain nonprofits that enjoy U.S. tax-exempt status may be improperly receiving or channeling foreign-linked funds in ways that could violate nonprofit rules or federal law. Under current regulations, nonprofits may receive foreign donations, but they are restricted in how funds can be used, especially regarding political activity, election influence, or support for unlawful acts.
Smith said one organization his committee flagged is The People’s Forum, a New York based activist group. He also pointed to alleged funding networks connected to businessman Neville Roy Singham, whom he described as having close ties to entities aligned with the Chinese government. Smith alleged that Singham-linked funding has supported activist organizations in the United States.
Singham has previously been the subject of investigative reporting regarding international funding networks connected to advocacy and media groups. In the interview, Smith characterized Singham as closely aligned with the Chinese Communist Party and said the committee is examining related financial pathways. Those allegations have not yet been tested in court, and no charges were discussed in the segment.
Smith also referenced Singham’s spouse as being associated with Code Pink, an anti-war advocacy organization active in U.S. protest movements.
Requests to IRS and Treasury
According to Smith, the committee first sent a formal letter to federal officials last year requesting action. He said the IRS and Treasury Department have the authority to revoke nonprofit status if organizations are found to be operating outside legal boundaries.
Revocation of 501(c)(3) status is handled administratively by the IRS and typically requires documented violations, such as prohibited political activity, misuse of funds, or unlawful conduct. Such actions usually follow audits, document reviews, and due process procedures.
Smith said he expects further discussions with IRS leadership shortly and indicated that subpoenas could be used if additional records are needed.
Claims of Evidence – Documentation Not Yet Public
In the interview, Smith repeatedly stated that the committee has assembled significant evidence supporting its referrals. However, the underlying documentation has not yet been publicly released. No enforcement action has been announced by the IRS or the Treasury Department to date related to the specific organizations named in the interview.
O’Reilly, the program host, argued that the allegations deserve broader public attention and said his program would continue to follow the issue. He also asserted that other media outlets have not given the story significant coverage.
What Happens Next
If federal tax authorities determine that further review is warranted, the process could include:
- Formal IRS examination or audit
- Requests for financial records and donor disclosures
- Administrative proceedings regarding tax-exempt status
- Possible referrals to the Justice Department if legal violations are found
For now, the matter remains at the oversight and referral stage. Smith says the committee stands by its findings and expects federal agencies to evaluate the evidence presented. Until agencies act or documents are released, the allegations remain claims under review rather than established violations.
Key Facts and Details
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Lawmaker | Jason Smith, Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee |
| Source of Claims | Interview on The Bill O’Reilly Show |
| Core Allegation | Certain U.S. tax-exempt nonprofits may be receiving or channeling foreign-linked funding tied to activism and unrest |
| Committee Action | Ways and Means Committee has requested IRS and Treasury review of 11 nonprofit organizations |
| Requested Outcome | Possible revocation of 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status for named groups |
| Agencies Involved | Internal Revenue Service and U.S. Treasury Department |
| Evidence Status | Congressman says the committee has assembled substantial evidence, but documentation has not yet been publicly released |
| Named Individual | Neville Roy Singham cited as a key funding figure under committee scrutiny |
| Referenced Organization | The People’s Forum mentioned as one nonprofit flagged for review |
| Additional Group Mentioned | Code Pink referenced due to leadership ties through Singham’s spouse |
| Legal Standard | Foreign donations to nonprofits are not automatically illegal, but misuse tied to political activity or unlawful conduct can violate rules |
| Current Enforcement | No IRS revocation or DOJ charges announced as of now |
| Next Expected Step | Chairman Smith says he plans to meet with IRS leadership and may pursue subpoenas for additional records |
| Verification Level | Allegations made by committee chairman, pending agency review and independent confirmation |
