The Impact of Dark Money on Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Political Alliances and Strategies

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A left-wing dark money group that once supported Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s presidential campaign has now turned against him, launching a “war room” to prevent his cabinet nomination.

Key Insights

  • The Sixteen Thirty Fund, a left-wing dark money group, is funding efforts 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.
  • Kennedy’s Senate hearings have been delayed due to paperwork issues, with no hearings expected before the end of the month.

Dark Money Group’s Shifting Allegiances

The Sixteen Thirty Fund, a prominent left-wing dark money group, has made a surprising about-face in its stance towards Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Once a supporter of Kennedy’s presidential aspirations, the group is now actively working to derail his nomination as Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary. This dramatic shift highlights the complex and often contradictory nature of political alliances in modern American politics.

The Sixteen Thirty Fund initially backed Kennedy’s presidential campaign through a super PAC called Retire Career Politicians. This super PAC spent $400,000 on Kennedy’s behalf, even after he dropped out of the race. However, the group’s support for Kennedy has now evaporated, replaced by a concerted effort to block his cabinet nomination.

The “Stop RFK War Room” Campaign

At the heart of this opposition is the “Stop RFK War Room” effort, run by Protect Our Care, an organization supported by the Sixteen Thirty Fund. This campaign accuses Kennedy of spreading “deadly lies about vaccines” and portrays him as a danger to public health. The Sixteen Thirty Fund may allocate up to seven figures for digital ads aimed at thwarting Kennedy’s nomination.

“He’s not just unfit, he’s dangerous.” – Protect Our Care ad

This stark reversal in the Sixteen Thirty Fund’s stance towards Kennedy underscores the fluid nature of political alliances and the significant influence of dark money in shaping public opinion and policy outcomes. The group defends its seemingly contradictory actions by stating that both efforts align with its progressive values, demonstrating the complex calculations behind political strategies.

Foreign Influence and Dark Money in American Politics

The involvement of the Sixteen Thirty Fund in both supporting and opposing Kennedy raises questions about the role of dark money in American politics. As a 501(c)(4) organization, the Sixteen Thirty Fund can accept unlimited and anonymous contributions, potentially including foreign donations. This lack of transparency in political funding has significant implications for the integrity of the democratic process.

“there is no prohibition on foreign dollars being used to oppose [a cabinet] nomination” – Caitlin Sutherland

The “War Room” to stop Kennedy is reportedly heavily backed by Swiss billionaire Hansjörg Wyss, further highlighting the potential for foreign influence in domestic political affairs. This revelation has sparked concerns about the extent to which foreign interests can shape American political outcomes through dark money channels.

The Road Ahead for Kennedy’s Nomination

Despite the mounting opposition, President-elect Trump remains committed to Kennedy’s nomination. Kennedy himself is actively engaging with senators, attempting to secure support for his confirmation. However, his Senate hearings have been delayed due to paperwork issues, with no hearings expected before the end of the month.

The controversy surrounding Kennedy’s nomination underscores the polarized nature of American politics. While a December survey found broad support for Kennedy’s agenda across political lines, views of him personally remain deeply divided. As the confirmation process unfolds, the influence of dark money and shifting political alliances will likely continue to play a significant role in shaping public opinion and potentially determining the outcome of Kennedy’s nomination.

Sources:

  1. Leftist Dark Money Group Opposes RFK Jr. For HHS Secretary After Supporting Presidential Run
  2. Dark money group that backed RFK Jr. for president opposes HHS confirmation – Washington Examiner
  3. Scoop: Liberal dark money group plays both sides on RFK Jr.
  4. Leftist Dark Money Group Opposes RFK Jr. For HHS Secretary After Supporting Presidential Run