Congressional Hearing on Foreign Influence in U.S. AI Infrastructure by Bitcoin Policy Institute

Testimony on Foreign Influences Affecting U.S. AI

On September 15, 2026, Sam Lyman, the Head of Research at the Bitcoin Policy Institute (BPI), delivered a critical testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on South and Central Asia. The focus of the hearing was on foreign influence campaigns that target the expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) in the United States. Lyman's presentation highlighted the significant confrontation between the U.S. and China in the race for AI supremacy, noting that foreign adversaries employ various tactics to shape public opinion against American advancements.

Lyman's testimony, supported by extensive research documented in two recent reports, detailed a disturbing trend of 21 campaigns linked to China that have concentrated efforts across 14 states. These campaigns played a pivotal role in delaying or blocking substantial investments amounting to $23.6 billion in proposed U.S. AI infrastructure. The hearing, titled "Trojan Horses: Covert Foreign Malign Influence Operations in America," was presided over by Subcommittee Chairman Bill Huizenga from Michigan and included insights from noted experts alongside Lyman.

The research disclosed that various foreign entities, including state media and non-profit organizations funded by foreign interests, were involved in influencing American perspectives on AI. Lyman explained that three primary channels of influence had emerged:
1. Chinese State Media and Bot Networks: These entities push narratives that undermine the viability and necessity of U.S. data centers.
2. U.S. Nonprofits Funded by Foreign Interests: Much of this funding comes from Shanghai-based entities, including groups influenced by individuals like Neville Roy Singham, who has direct ties to Marxist ideologies.
3. Parties with Foreign Links: Certain groups, such as the Party for Socialism and Liberation, were mentioned as having leadership entrenched in organizations funded by foreign interests.

Throughout his presentation, Lyman made it clear that while these foreign influence operations are concerning, they exist alongside legitimate American apprehensions regarding the implications of expanding data center operations. He emphasized, "Two things can be true at once. There is a foreign influence campaign against American AI, and Americans have genuine concerns about the data center buildout that need to be heard."

The committee's findings were driven by valuable insights gained from the reports authored by Lyman. The presented data revealed that these campaigns have collectively contributed to significant opposition against U.S. AI infrastructure projects, which included 10 data center moratoriums, one permanent ban, and multiple proposals that were discarded or curtailed due to public outcry influenced by these foreign operations.

Additionally, the investigation into Neville Roy Singham's financial dealings is ongoing. A federal grand jury in the Southern District of New York is scrutinizing whether Singham violated the Foreign Agents Registration Act or inappropriately funneled money through various NGOs, amid allegations that these organizations benefited from foreign funding. While many involved have denied wrongdoing, the implications of these inquiries showcase the complex interplay between economic interests and foreign influence narratives.

Looking forward, Lyman is set to speak at the upcoming Freedom Tech DC 2026 summit, held on September 22-23 in Washington, D.C. This event will gather policymakers and industry leaders to discuss key issues surrounding AI, data centers, and broader implications for technology and society.

For those interested in further details, BPI has made the written testimony and video of the hearing publicly accessible and offers an extensive view of the underlying research, paired with an interactive map detailing the influence networks examined during the inquiry.

As the importance of AI technology continues to grow, Lyman's testimony underscores the urgent need for vigilance against foreign influence that seeks to alter the trajectory of America's technological advancements.