In a startling turn of events, a left-wing dark money group that once supported Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s presidential bid is now actively working to thwart his nomination as Health and Human Services secretary.
Key Takeaways
- The Sixteen Thirty Fund, a left-wing dark money group, is funding a “war room” to oppose Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s confirmation as Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary.
- This same group previously supported Kennedy’s presidential campaign through a super PAC called Retire Career Politicians.
- The “Stop RFK War Room” effort, run by Protect Our Care, accuses Kennedy of spreading misinformation about vaccines.
- The Sixteen Thirty Fund may spend seven figures on digital ads to thwart Kennedy’s nomination.
- This case highlights the unpredictable nature of political alliances influenced by dark money and raises questions about the motivations driving these strategic pivots.
The Sixteen Thirty Fund’s Conflicting Stances
The political landscape has witnessed a dramatic shift as the Sixteen Thirty Fund, a prominent left-wing dark money group, has pivoted from supporting Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s presidential aspirations to actively opposing his nomination as Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary. This abrupt change in allegiance underscores the volatile nature of political alliances, especially when influenced by undisclosed financial contributions.
The Sixteen Thirty Fund, which previously channeled $2 million to a super PAC called Retire Career Politicians in support of Kennedy’s presidential campaign, is now backing a “Stop RFK War Room” effort. This initiative, run by Protect Our Care, aims to derail Kennedy’s confirmation as HHS secretary, accusing him of spreading misinformation about vaccines.
The Power of Dark Money in Political Maneuvering
The Sixteen Thirty Fund’s involvement in both supporting and opposing Kennedy exemplifies the significant role of dark money in shaping political narratives and influencing policy decisions. As a 501(c)(4) organization, the fund can accept unlimited and anonymous contributions, allowing it to funnel substantial amounts into various political activities without disclosing its donors to the IRS.
“We are proud to provide administrative and back-office services to support their (Protect Our Care) work to ensure that Americans can get the high-quality health care they need and deserve” – Sixteen Thirty Fund
This statement from the Sixteen Thirty Fund attempts to justify its conflicting actions, framing both efforts as aligning with its progressive values. However, the stark contrast between supporting Kennedy’s presidential run and opposing his cabinet nomination raises questions about the true motivations driving these strategic pivots.
Foreign Influence and Lack of Transparency
The involvement of foreign money in U.S. political processes adds another layer of complexity to this situation. Caitlin Sutherland of Americans for Public Trust points out a concerning loophole: “There is no prohibition on foreign dollars being used to oppose [a cabinet] nomination.” This revelation highlights the potential for external influences to shape domestic political outcomes, further obscuring the already murky waters of dark money in politics.
“There is no prohibition on foreign dollars being used to oppose [a cabinet] nomination” – Caitlin Sutherland
The “War Room” to stop RFK, launched in November, is reportedly heavily backed by Swiss billionaire Hansjörg Wyss. This international funding of efforts to influence U.S. political appointments raises serious questions about the integrity of the process and the extent of foreign influence in American politics.
The Impact on Kennedy’s Nomination
Despite the concerted opposition, President-elect Trump remains firm on Kennedy’s nomination. However, the Sixteen Thirty Fund’s campaign, which may include seven-figure spending on digital ads, could significantly impact public opinion and potentially sway senators’ decisions. Kennedy’s Senate hearings have already been delayed due to paperwork issues, with no hearings expected before the end of the month, giving opponents more time to mobilize their resources.
As this political drama unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the complex and often opaque forces at play in American politics. The case of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Sixteen Thirty Fund illustrates how quickly alliances can shift and how dark money can be wielded to influence political outcomes, leaving voters to navigate an increasingly murky landscape of political motivations and undisclosed interests.
Sources:
- Leftist Dark Money Group Opposes RFK Jr. For HHS Secretary After Supporting Presidential Run
- Dark money group that backed RFK Jr. for president opposes HHS confirmation – Washington Examiner
- Scoop: Liberal dark money group plays both sides on RFK Jr.
- Leftist Dark Money Group Opposes RFK Jr. For HHS Secretary After Supporting Presidential Run
