Nebraska Sues Swiss Billionaire Over Progressive Ballot Initiative Funding

LINCOLN, NE – Swiss billionaire Hansjörg Wyss and several affiliated entities are facing a lawsuit from the state of Nebraska, alleging illegal contributions to six ballot initiatives. Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers announced the legal action, stating that Wyss-backed organizations funneled over $10 million to local groups for ballot initiatives, including those concerning abortion rights, paid sick leave, and medical marijuana, in violation of a 2022 state law prohibiting foreign nationals from contributing to such campaigns.

"The entire progressive activist machine isn’t some grassroots uprising, it’s been bankrolled for decades by a handful of billionaires (Soros, Wyss, Rockefeller, Ford, etc.) and their foundations," a tweet from user Tom 💥♻️ stated, highlighting broader concerns about billionaire influence in progressive movements.

Wyss, founder of the medical device manufacturer Synthes, has become a significant donor to liberal and environmental causes in the United States. His Wyss Foundation, with nearly $2 billion in assets, and other organizations like the Berger Action Fund, have directed hundreds of millions to progressive groups. These funds often flow through a network of non-profit organizations, including the Sixteen Thirty Fund and the New Venture Fund, which then distribute money to various advocacy groups.

The lawsuit claims that Wyss funneled funds through four nonprofits—Wyss Foundation, Berger Action Fund, New Venture Fund, and Sixteen Thirty Fund—to groups like Nebraska Appleseed and Civic Nebraska. Spokespersons for the Wyss Foundation and the Berger Action Fund have denied the allegations, asserting that they have always complied with the law. Nebraska's Attorney General Hilgers emphasized that the state is seeking an injunction to prevent future alleged unlawful contributions, not to overturn successful ballot initiatives.

Wyss's political activities have drawn scrutiny previously, particularly regarding the legality of foreign nationals influencing U.S. elections. The New York Times reported in 2021 that Wyss had "quietly created a sophisticated political operation to advance progressive policy initiatives and the Democrats who support them." This includes The Hub Project, which aims to shape media coverage to benefit Democratic causes.

The case in Nebraska underscores a growing national debate over "dark money" in politics and the influence of wealthy donors on policy and elections. Several states have laws prohibiting direct and indirect contributions from foreign nationals to ballot campaigns, reflecting concerns about external influence on domestic political processes.