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Browse VALOR Institute's complete collection of policy research, investigations, and legislative analysis.
April 6, 2026
Shadow Architects
American foreign policy is being shaped in significant part by think tanks that accept millions of dollars from foreign governments, defense contractors, and undisclosed private donors — while testifying before Congress as objective experts, without disclosing those financial relationships to lawmakers or the public.
Congress Left Town. The White House Didn't Stop.
House in recess through April 13. Executive orders on voter rolls, immigration enforcement at churches, and more — all signed while Congress was away.
$1.4 Billion. Zero Names. Your Policy.
A single donor-advised fund holds $1.4 billion and funneled $195 million to policy groups last year — with no requirement to disclose a single donor's name.
Foreign Governments Gave $64 Million. Congress Didn't Ask.
Think tanks advising Congress on foreign policy accepted $64 million from foreign governments and $20 million from defense contractors. 89% disclosed nothing.