Democracy Torch
@democracytorch.bsky.social
To be or not to be a democracy
The safeguard of democracy is the people
The importance of voting cannot be understated, it’s fundamental to our democracy
DISCLAIMER:
Elections can elevate harmful leaders. Always check what candidates truly stand for.
The safeguard of democracy is the people
The importance of voting cannot be understated, it’s fundamental to our democracy
DISCLAIMER:
Elections can elevate harmful leaders. Always check what candidates truly stand for.
• U.S. criticism of European regulation aligning with corporate lobbying.
www.wsj.com/world/europe...
www.wsj.com/world/europe...
Trump and U.S. CEOs Agree: European Red Tape Goes Too Far
American executives see an opportunity to shape EU policy as the bloc seeks to trim its own regulations.
www.wsj.com
December 16, 2025 at 11:18 PM
• U.S. criticism of European regulation aligning with corporate lobbying.
www.wsj.com/world/europe...
www.wsj.com/world/europe...
• Documents showing AfD interaction with Trump‑aligned GOP officials.
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1...
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1...
Germany’s anti-immigrant AfD party finds open door in Trump’s America
Some German lawmakers want to ban Alternative for Germany, but the party has been embraced in Washington, and some of its leaders see Trump’s path to power as a road map.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 16, 2025 at 11:18 PM
• Documents showing AfD interaction with Trump‑aligned GOP officials.
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1...
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1...
• U.S. lawmakers warning about national security implications of foreign backing.
nypost.com/2025/12/11/m...
nypost.com/2025/12/11/m...
Dems rip Paramount Skydance’s hostile WBD bid over Saudi- and Kushner-linked funding: report
Reps. Sam Liccardo (D-Calif.) and Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) sent letter to board of WBD as well as to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Wednesday.
nypost.com
December 16, 2025 at 11:18 PM
• U.S. lawmakers warning about national security implications of foreign backing.
nypost.com/2025/12/11/m...
nypost.com/2025/12/11/m...
• Ethics concerns over Kushner’s funding and compensation scheme allegations.
www.salon.com/2024/06/12/i...
www.salon.com/2024/06/12/i...
"It appears to be a payoff": Expert says Kushner's Saudi cash an "egregious" national security worry - Salon.com
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden is investigating Saudi support for Jared Kushner's private equity firm.
www.salon.com
December 16, 2025 at 11:18 PM
• Ethics concerns over Kushner’s funding and compensation scheme allegations.
www.salon.com/2024/06/12/i...
www.salon.com/2024/06/12/i...
• Saudi PIF $2 billion investment despite advisory panel objections.
www.middleeastmonitor.com/20220411-sau...
www.middleeastmonitor.com/20220411-sau...
Saudi Arabia invested $2bn into Kushner firm, despite panel warnings over risk
The private equity firm of Jared Kushner, the senior adviser and son-in-law to former US President, Donald Trump, received a $2 billion investment from Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund last yea…
www.middleeastmonitor.com
December 16, 2025 at 11:18 PM
• Saudi PIF $2 billion investment despite advisory panel objections.
www.middleeastmonitor.com/20220411-sau...
www.middleeastmonitor.com/20220411-sau...
Sources (for verification)
• Senate investigation on Affinity Partners and conflicts of interest
www.finance.senate.gov/chairmans-ne...
• Senate investigation on Affinity Partners and conflicts of interest
www.finance.senate.gov/chairmans-ne...
Wyden Investigation of Kushner Firm Continues; New Letter Outlines Affinity Partners’ Fee Structure, Lack of Return to Investors, Questionable Deals with Foreign Governments | The United States Senate...
Wyden Investigation of Kushner Firm Continues; New Letter Outlines Affinity Partners’ Fee Structure, Lack of Return to Investors, Questionable Deals with Foreign Governments
www.finance.senate.gov
December 16, 2025 at 11:18 PM
Sources (for verification)
• Senate investigation on Affinity Partners and conflicts of interest
www.finance.senate.gov/chairmans-ne...
• Senate investigation on Affinity Partners and conflicts of interest
www.finance.senate.gov/chairmans-ne...
12/12
Bottom line
Follow the money. Look at:
➡️ Who funds whom
➡️ Where influence flows
➡️ Which laws get weakened
➡️ How external governments gain leverage
This is a critical moment for democratic accountability, not only in the U.S. but in western systems. 🇺🇸🇪🇺
Bottom line
Follow the money. Look at:
➡️ Who funds whom
➡️ Where influence flows
➡️ Which laws get weakened
➡️ How external governments gain leverage
This is a critical moment for democratic accountability, not only in the U.S. but in western systems. 🇺🇸🇪🇺
December 16, 2025 at 11:18 PM
12/12
Bottom line
Follow the money. Look at:
➡️ Who funds whom
➡️ Where influence flows
➡️ Which laws get weakened
➡️ How external governments gain leverage
This is a critical moment for democratic accountability, not only in the U.S. but in western systems. 🇺🇸🇪🇺
Bottom line
Follow the money. Look at:
➡️ Who funds whom
➡️ Where influence flows
➡️ Which laws get weakened
➡️ How external governments gain leverage
This is a critical moment for democratic accountability, not only in the U.S. but in western systems. 🇺🇸🇪🇺
This isn’t a fringe claim, it’s a framework for understanding observed events.
December 16, 2025 at 11:18 PM
This isn’t a fringe claim, it’s a framework for understanding observed events.
11/12
A possible thesis supported by these documented patterns:
When personal financial networks intersect with public authority and foreign funding, the result is not just corruption it can reshape geopolitical alignment in favor of private interests over democratic norms.
A possible thesis supported by these documented patterns:
When personal financial networks intersect with public authority and foreign funding, the result is not just corruption it can reshape geopolitical alignment in favor of private interests over democratic norms.
December 16, 2025 at 11:18 PM
11/12
A possible thesis supported by these documented patterns:
When personal financial networks intersect with public authority and foreign funding, the result is not just corruption it can reshape geopolitical alignment in favor of private interests over democratic norms.
A possible thesis supported by these documented patterns:
When personal financial networks intersect with public authority and foreign funding, the result is not just corruption it can reshape geopolitical alignment in favor of private interests over democratic norms.
These are patterns often associated with kleptocratic influence systems, where private gain and public policy blur.
December 16, 2025 at 11:18 PM
These are patterns often associated with kleptocratic influence systems, where private gain and public policy blur.
✔️ Foreign funding of U.S.‑linked investment vehicles
✔️ Criticism of allied democracies that regulate business
✔️ Political alliances with nationalist parties abroad
✔️ Criticism of allied democracies that regulate business
✔️ Political alliances with nationalist parties abroad
December 16, 2025 at 11:18 PM
✔️ Foreign funding of U.S.‑linked investment vehicles
✔️ Criticism of allied democracies that regulate business
✔️ Political alliances with nationalist parties abroad
✔️ Criticism of allied democracies that regulate business
✔️ Political alliances with nationalist parties abroad
10/12
Opinion / analysis:
When political power, family networks, foreign capital, and regulatory hostility converge, it creates incentives that are not (at all) purely national interest:
Opinion / analysis:
When political power, family networks, foreign capital, and regulatory hostility converge, it creates incentives that are not (at all) purely national interest:
December 16, 2025 at 11:18 PM
10/12
Opinion / analysis:
When political power, family networks, foreign capital, and regulatory hostility converge, it creates incentives that are not (at all) purely national interest:
Opinion / analysis:
When political power, family networks, foreign capital, and regulatory hostility converge, it creates incentives that are not (at all) purely national interest:
9/12
The administration’s criticism of EU business regulations also aligns with interests of large U.S. corporations and tech executives who oppose stricter rules on data, competition, taxation, and platform governance.
That tension is covered in international economic reporting.
The administration’s criticism of EU business regulations also aligns with interests of large U.S. corporations and tech executives who oppose stricter rules on data, competition, taxation, and platform governance.
That tension is covered in international economic reporting.
December 16, 2025 at 11:18 PM
9/12
The administration’s criticism of EU business regulations also aligns with interests of large U.S. corporations and tech executives who oppose stricter rules on data, competition, taxation, and platform governance.
That tension is covered in international economic reporting.
The administration’s criticism of EU business regulations also aligns with interests of large U.S. corporations and tech executives who oppose stricter rules on data, competition, taxation, and platform governance.
That tension is covered in international economic reporting.
This is documented in major news coverage of the Munich Security Conference speeches.
December 16, 2025 at 11:18 PM
This is documented in major news coverage of the Munich Security Conference speeches.
8/12
U.S. officials, including VP J.D. Vance, have shifted foreign policy messaging toward criticizing democratic norms in Europe (migration, free speech, sovereignty), something European leaders have rebuffed as inappropriate interference.
U.S. officials, including VP J.D. Vance, have shifted foreign policy messaging toward criticizing democratic norms in Europe (migration, free speech, sovereignty), something European leaders have rebuffed as inappropriate interference.
December 16, 2025 at 11:18 PM
8/12
U.S. officials, including VP J.D. Vance, have shifted foreign policy messaging toward criticizing democratic norms in Europe (migration, free speech, sovereignty), something European leaders have rebuffed as inappropriate interference.
U.S. officials, including VP J.D. Vance, have shifted foreign policy messaging toward criticizing democratic norms in Europe (migration, free speech, sovereignty), something European leaders have rebuffed as inappropriate interference.
The German AfD party publicly embraced some of these narratives and strengthened ties with MAGA‑aligned figures.
December 16, 2025 at 11:18 PM
The German AfD party publicly embraced some of these narratives and strengthened ties with MAGA‑aligned figures.
7/12
Seen in this context, a new Trump Administration National Security Strategy, accusing the EU of being in “civilizational decline” and welcoming the influence of nationalist parties, has real geopolitical impact.
Seen in this context, a new Trump Administration National Security Strategy, accusing the EU of being in “civilizational decline” and welcoming the influence of nationalist parties, has real geopolitical impact.
December 16, 2025 at 11:18 PM
7/12
Seen in this context, a new Trump Administration National Security Strategy, accusing the EU of being in “civilizational decline” and welcoming the influence of nationalist parties, has real geopolitical impact.
Seen in this context, a new Trump Administration National Security Strategy, accusing the EU of being in “civilizational decline” and welcoming the influence of nationalist parties, has real geopolitical impact.
6/12
This isn’t just abstract. Democratic lawmakers have publicly warned that these foreign investments, even if indirect, could pose national security risks if foreign governments obtain influence over U.S. persons with political connections.
This isn’t just abstract. Democratic lawmakers have publicly warned that these foreign investments, even if indirect, could pose national security risks if foreign governments obtain influence over U.S. persons with political connections.
December 16, 2025 at 11:18 PM
6/12
This isn’t just abstract. Democratic lawmakers have publicly warned that these foreign investments, even if indirect, could pose national security risks if foreign governments obtain influence over U.S. persons with political connections.
This isn’t just abstract. Democratic lawmakers have publicly warned that these foreign investments, even if indirect, could pose national security risks if foreign governments obtain influence over U.S. persons with political connections.
5/12
Kushner defended this funding as legitimate business, saying it came from a “prestigious investor.” But critics, including ethics experts, argue the combination of political ties and foreign funding looks like paying for access & influence rather than a commercial deal.
Kushner defended this funding as legitimate business, saying it came from a “prestigious investor.” But critics, including ethics experts, argue the combination of political ties and foreign funding looks like paying for access & influence rather than a commercial deal.
December 16, 2025 at 11:18 PM
5/12
Kushner defended this funding as legitimate business, saying it came from a “prestigious investor.” But critics, including ethics experts, argue the combination of political ties and foreign funding looks like paying for access & influence rather than a commercial deal.
Kushner defended this funding as legitimate business, saying it came from a “prestigious investor.” But critics, including ethics experts, argue the combination of political ties and foreign funding looks like paying for access & influence rather than a commercial deal.
4/12
The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) provided $2 billion to Affinity despite its own advisory panel warning that the deal was “unsatisfactory in all aspects”, only to be overruled, reportedly due to the Crown Prince’s intervention.
The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) provided $2 billion to Affinity despite its own advisory panel warning that the deal was “unsatisfactory in all aspects”, only to be overruled, reportedly due to the Crown Prince’s intervention.
December 16, 2025 at 11:18 PM
4/12
The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) provided $2 billion to Affinity despite its own advisory panel warning that the deal was “unsatisfactory in all aspects”, only to be overruled, reportedly due to the Crown Prince’s intervention.
The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) provided $2 billion to Affinity despite its own advisory panel warning that the deal was “unsatisfactory in all aspects”, only to be overruled, reportedly due to the Crown Prince’s intervention.
These facts raise questions about whether it functions as a compensation scheme rather than a normal investment fund.
December 16, 2025 at 11:18 PM
These facts raise questions about whether it functions as a compensation scheme rather than a normal investment fund.
3/12
Wyden’s investigation found Affinity:
Charged high management fees (about $157M total so far);
Returned $0 in profits to its investors;
Relied almost entirely on foreign government money;
Deployed capital very slowly or not at all;
Wyden’s investigation found Affinity:
Charged high management fees (about $157M total so far);
Returned $0 in profits to its investors;
Relied almost entirely on foreign government money;
Deployed capital very slowly or not at all;
December 16, 2025 at 11:18 PM
3/12
Wyden’s investigation found Affinity:
Charged high management fees (about $157M total so far);
Returned $0 in profits to its investors;
Relied almost entirely on foreign government money;
Deployed capital very slowly or not at all;
Wyden’s investigation found Affinity:
Charged high management fees (about $157M total so far);
Returned $0 in profits to its investors;
Relied almost entirely on foreign government money;
Deployed capital very slowly or not at all;
2/12
Senator Ron Wyden (D‑OR) has been leading a Senate Finance Committee investigation into Affinity and raised serious concerns that the firm’s structure creates unprecedented conflicts of interest involving members of a presidential family.
Senator Ron Wyden (D‑OR) has been leading a Senate Finance Committee investigation into Affinity and raised serious concerns that the firm’s structure creates unprecedented conflicts of interest involving members of a presidential family.
December 16, 2025 at 11:18 PM
2/12
Senator Ron Wyden (D‑OR) has been leading a Senate Finance Committee investigation into Affinity and raised serious concerns that the firm’s structure creates unprecedented conflicts of interest involving members of a presidential family.
Senator Ron Wyden (D‑OR) has been leading a Senate Finance Committee investigation into Affinity and raised serious concerns that the firm’s structure creates unprecedented conflicts of interest involving members of a presidential family.
1/12
Let’s start with a firm that sits at the center of this story: AFFINITY PARTNERS, a private equity firm founded by JARED KUSHNER, Trump’s son‑in‑law and former senior advisor.
Has received nearly all of its funding from foreign sovereign wealth funds, mostly from Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar.
Let’s start with a firm that sits at the center of this story: AFFINITY PARTNERS, a private equity firm founded by JARED KUSHNER, Trump’s son‑in‑law and former senior advisor.
Has received nearly all of its funding from foreign sovereign wealth funds, mostly from Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar.
December 16, 2025 at 11:18 PM
1/12
Let’s start with a firm that sits at the center of this story: AFFINITY PARTNERS, a private equity firm founded by JARED KUSHNER, Trump’s son‑in‑law and former senior advisor.
Has received nearly all of its funding from foreign sovereign wealth funds, mostly from Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar.
Let’s start with a firm that sits at the center of this story: AFFINITY PARTNERS, a private equity firm founded by JARED KUSHNER, Trump’s son‑in‑law and former senior advisor.
Has received nearly all of its funding from foreign sovereign wealth funds, mostly from Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar.