Recent reports reveal that millions of dollars donated to the Obama Foundation have been redirected to the Tides Foundation, a progressive group linked to nonprofits involved in anti-Israel protests. This financial connection has raised concerns and garnered scrutiny from lawmakers.
1. Financial Donations:
• The Obama Foundation, responsible for building the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, donated $2 million to the Tides Foundation between 2022 and 2023.
• The funds were intended to support local organizations aiming to reduce community violence.
2. Tides Foundation:
• The Tides Foundation acts as a fiscal sponsor for groups that are not registered as charities.
• It has links to prominent Democratic donors, including George Soros.
• The foundation has been criticized by the House Ways and Means Committee for handling donations that supported anti-Israel protests.
3. Protests and Encampments:
• Nonprofits associated with the Tides Foundation have organized demonstrations and encampments, particularly at Ivy League universities, in response to the October 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel.
• These protests have sparked significant controversy.
4. Public Statements:
• A spokeswoman for the Obama Foundation asserted that the $2 million donation supported over 50 organizations nationwide to mitigate "surging summer violence" and provide "safe spaces" for youth.
• Specific grants from Tides ranged from $15,000 to $30,000.
5. Obama Presidential Center Expenses:
• The foundation has spent over $615 million on the Obama Presidential Center, which is set to open in spring 2026, despite facing construction delays and budget overruns.
• In 2022, the foundation received minimal donations while spending substantial amounts on administrative costs and salaries. For instance, Valerie Jarrett, the CEO, earned over $750,000 in 2023.
6. Legal Issues:
• The Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation is currently suing the Tides Foundation for alleged mismanagement of $33 million.
• This ongoing lawsuit highlights further complications surrounding financial accountability at the Tides Foundation.
The financial ties between the Obama Foundation and the Tides Foundation have sparked controversy, particularly regarding the use of funds for politically charged activities. The ongoing scrutiny of these organizations emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in their operations.
https://nypost.com/2025/09/26/us-news/money-donated-to-build-obama-library-sent-on-to-tides-group/
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