A progressive group established by Hillary Clinton has recently been spotlighted for its financial contributions to controversial environmental activism.
The Washington Examiner reported that Onward Together has directed substantial funds to the Climate Emergency Fund (CEF), which is recognized for backing groups that use radical protest methods.
These groups have garnered attention for actions like artwork vandalism and blocking major roadways in their fight against climate change.
Detailed Breakdown of Funding and Activism
Onward Together, founded after Clinton's 2016 electoral defeat, aims to uplift new organizations and leaders committed to progressive values and the defense of democracy. Between April 2022 and March 2023, the group provided $200,000 to CEF, as detailed in tax forms filed in 2024. This contribution is part of a larger sum of at least $500,000 that Onward Together has funneled to CEF over recent years.
CEF, a recipient of the funds, has a history of supporting direct-action groups such as Just Stop Oil. Notably, activists from this group caused a public uproar by throwing tomato soup over a Vincent Van Gogh painting at London's National Gallery. Furthermore, in March 2024, members of Declare Emergency, another CEF-supported group, were charged with the vandalism of the U.S. Constitution display at the National Archives.
Public and Political Reactions to Funding Controversies
This financial backing has not gone without criticism. Daniel Turner, the founder and executive director of Power the Future, has vocally expressed concerns about the implications of such funding. Turner argues that these financial ties raise significant safety and legal concerns due to the nature of the protests being supported.
Daniel Turner commented on the issue, stating:
Anyone who cares about public safety and preventing vandalism should be deeply concerned that money connected to Hillary Clinton is propping up these radicalized eco activists.
Further complicating the narrative are other significant donors to CEF, including Hollywood producer Adam McKay, actor Jeremy Strong, and members of well-known families like the Kennedys and Gettys. Their involvement highlights a broader trend of influential figures supporting high-profile environmental activism, which sometimes crosses into legally and ethically gray areas.
Calls for Congressional Oversight and Transparency
The scale and impact of the donations have led to calls for a deeper investigation into the origins and potential effects of these financial flows.
Critics like Turner are pushing for Congressional action to ensure transparency and accountability in how these funds are being used, especially considering their connection to public figures and potential implications on public safety and policy.
"Congress would be wise to immediately investigate the shady origins and dastardly flow of this tainted Clinton cash," said Turner.
Conclusion
The funding from Onward Together to the Climate Emergency Fund underscores the intricate relationship between politics, philanthropy, and activism. Significant contributions from Hillary Clinton's organization to groups that employ confrontational strategies in environmental protests prompt discussions on the impact of political leaders on public actions and safety.
As demands for transparency and regulation increase, the forthcoming months are likely to witness an intense examination of the way these funds are allocated and their consequences on public policy and safety.
