Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) has initiated an investigation into the Gates Foundation, Rockefeller Brothers Fund, and Ford Foundation, focusing on their compliance with tax regulations amid allegations they funded Chinese Communist Party (CCP) entities. Grassley’s inquiry follows reports that the Gates Foundation allegedly provided $23 million, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund $7.4 million, and the Ford Foundation $10 million to CCP-linked organizations in recent years.

The senator cited a Washington Examiner report suggesting the nonprofits supported China’s Belt and Road Initiative, a global infrastructure project critics argue strengthens the CCP’s geopolitical influence. Grassley’s letters to the foundations questioned whether their donations aligned with U.S. tax-exempt status requirements, noting that IRS guidelines prohibit direct grants to foreign governments under 501(c)(3) provisions.

Tax filings reveal the organizations funded Chinese government agencies, state-run universities, and entities tied to the CCP’s State Council. For instance, the Gates Foundation reportedly directed $11.7 million into Chinese government arms in 2023, including $2 million to a corporation linked to the Chinese military and $6.7 million to universities aiding President Xi Jinping’s regime. The Ford Foundation stated its China grants aimed to combat poverty and promote democratic values, while the Rockefeller Brothers Fund disclosed $7.4 million in donations to CCP-associated groups from 2020 to 2024.

Grassley has given the foundations until November 10th to respond to his inquiries.