Investigative report exposes National Endowment for Democracy's influence on US foreign policy

The Davis County Conservatives meeting held on April 11, 2025, featured guest speaker Jennica Pounds, who presented a critical analysis of what she termed the "uni party" system in U.S. politics. Pounds began her address by expressing uncertainty about her topic but ultimately focused on the concept of a parallel government operating through non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that receive substantial federal funding yet lack accountability to voters.

Pounds explained that this system is orchestrated by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), established in 1983 during the Cold War as an alternative to covert operations. She described NED as a central hub that distributes over $300 million annually to four core partners, which she categorized into economic, policy, elections, and media sectors. According to Pounds, these organizations work in concert rather than competition, effectively creating a "soft power government."

In her breakdown, Pounds highlighted two economic arms: the Solidarity Center, which focuses on labor rights and aligns with progressive goals, and the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), which promotes neoliberal reforms. She argued that both organizations, funded by NED, operate as controlled opposition, maintaining a balance that serves the interests of both labor and capital.

Pounds then shifted to the political arms of NED, namely the International Republican Institute (IRI) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI). She asserted that these organizations, while aligned with their respective parties, coordinate efforts to shape political outcomes domestically and internationally, often paving the way for regime changes. She pointed out that several sitting U.S. Senators are involved in these organizations, raising concerns about conflicts of interest.

The discussion continued with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), which she described as the entity responsible for shaping electoral standards both abroad and at home. Pounds criticized IFES for operating without public oversight, claiming it effectively engineers what constitutes a free and fair election.

Pounds concluded her presentation by discussing IntrNews, the media wing of this system, which she claimed is responsible for controlling narratives and shaping public perception. She emphasized that these organizations, while promoting democracy as their mission, operate with significant federal funding and minimal accountability, creating a structure that is largely invisible to the average voter.

The meeting underscored concerns about the intertwining of political power and NGO influence, prompting discussions about the implications for democracy and voter representation in the United States.