We all know that the American elections are influenced by dark money elites. However, the recent revelation of Swiss billionaire Hansjörg Wyss’s involvement in propping up the Democrats’ agenda has been particularly concerning.
Wyss, who has made a fortune in the medical device industry, has funneled a whopping $72 million to the Berger Action Fund, according to a discovery report by The Washington Free Beacon. The money is then given to nonprofits that don’t have to disclose their sources or expenditures. This means that Wyss can easily bypass any bans on foreign political involvement, as he is a foreign national.
Tax records and statements from the group reveal that $62.7 million of the $72.7 million donated by Wyss’ Berger Action Fund was directed towards organizations that were focused on building support for the Biden agenda.
Further, the Sixteen Thirty Fund and the New Venture Fund - two organizations that share the same founder, address and management firm - collectively received $245 million in donations from Wyss’s groups since 2016.
This whole situation has been met with alarm by Caitlin Sutherland, the Executive Director of Americans for Public Trust. Sutherland has called for “immediate scrutiny” of Wyss’s giving, saying that “tens of millions have been spent promoting President Biden’s radical agenda and propping up liberal candidates.”
This is an incredibly worrying situation. It is clear that foreign national Wyss is using his money to influence American politics and policy. It is also a worrying reminder of just how much power dark money elites have in our elections and rights.
It is essential that we continue to be vigilant and to recognize the influence of dark money elites. We must also ensure that our elections remain free and fair and that our rights are not being compromised by the influence of these wealthy elites.
