Staff Reports
Conservative lawmakers are raising alarms about a recent study suggesting that a Ukrainian non-governmental organization (NGO) has allegedly targeted GOP lawmakers, activists, and news outlets. The study, titled “Rollercoaster: From Trumpists to Communists. The forces in the U.S. impeding aid to Ukraine and how they do it,” reportedly identifies Americans labeled as “Trumpists and Communists” who have criticized U.S. funding for Ukraine. This list includes several prominent figures and organizations across the political, media, and expert communities.
Republican Senator J.D. Vance and Representative Matt Gaetz have addressed these issues in a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, seeking clarification on the State Department’s involvement with the Ukrainian NGO behind the study. They aim to determine if the NGO’s actions breach any laws, stressing that taxpayer dollars should not be used to target U.S. individuals over political disagreements.
What's Up With Ukraine's 'Enemy List' of Conservatives? https://t.co/vVj3j6i6JX
— Kaye Taylor (@KayeTay15754930) June 14, 2024
Moreover, Representative Jim Banks has urged GOP lawmakers on the House Appropriations Committee to stop U.S. support for the Ukrainian organization. In a recent committee markup session, House Republicans passed a provision to block future funding for the NGO. Banks voiced his disapproval of using tax dollars to work with foreign groups that target American citizens and lawmakers.
As the controversy develops, the lawmakers have requested information from the State Department regarding its support for the Ukrainian NGO and its founder, Anatoly Bondarenko. They are seeking details on any grants or awards given by the State Department and are inquiring about any ongoing investigations into potential violations of departmental policy.
In light of these developments, conservative voices are demanding transparency and accountability from the State Department to address the alleged targeting of conservatives by a foreign NGO.
