In a surprising turn of events, it has been revealed that two prominent donors to a pro-Donald Trump nonprofit organization have a history of supporting liberal causes. The disclosure came to light when a copy of the nonprofit American Compass’s 2022 tax statement came to light from the group that plans to create an ideal Trump Cabinet for a potential second term.
The tax statement listed five donor organizations, two of which were the Omidyar Network Foundation and the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. According to their website, the Omidyar Network Foundation has donated $500,000 to American Compass since 2020. Meanwhile, the Hewlett Foundation has contributed over one-third of American Compass’s public support, with donations totaling $1,486,000 since 2020, including a recent tranche of $475,000 in January.
What makes these donations particularly intriguing is the stark contrast between the causes these organizations typically support and their backing of American Compass. Pierre Omidyar, the founder of the Omidyar Network Foundation, has been a generous donor to Democratic dark money groups and has actively fought against racism. Additionally, he was crucial in funding the news outlet The Intercept in 2014. Omidyar’s First Look Media supported The Intercept until it became a nonprofit earlier this year.
On the other hand, the Hewlett Foundation has a track record of supporting global groups dedicated to women’s rights, environmental reform, and the arts. They are also known for being long-time supporters of NPR, a public broadcasting organization.
The motivations behind the support from Omidyar and Hewlett for such ideologically disparate groups remain unclear. However, it is evident that their backing of American Compass, a movement driven by younger Republicans seeking to align Trumpism with traditional, small-government conservatism, carries significant implications.
American Compass is not only associated with Project 2025, a right-wing think tank but also closely aligned with the Heritage Foundation. This far-right organization has strongly advocated for Trump and influenced much of his policy during his office.
Interestingly, some of the backers of Project 2025 include former Trump advisers Steve Bannon and Stephen Miller, both known for their controversial and divisive beliefs, including xenophobia and white supremacy.
The revelation of these unexpected donors highlights the complex and sometimes contradictory nature of political affiliations and support. As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of politics, it becomes increasingly important to scrutinize the motivations and intentions behind financial contributions to ensure transparency and accountability.
