Federal Probe Intensifies into 'Subversive' Anti-AI Network Linked to Businessman Neville Roy Singham

A former senior advisor and chief speechwriter for the Treasury Department, Sam Lyman, has characterized the Southern District of New York's investigation into the financial backing of an activist network linked to American businessman Neville Roy Singham as a pivotal moment in federal oversight of the organization and its involvement in far-left demonstrations across the United States.

Significant Delays in AI Development

Analysis by researchers indicates that approximately $23.6 billion in planned artificial intelligence and data center investments have faced delays, reductions, or outright cancellations. These outcomes are attributed to campaigns where the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) acted as "a critical mobilizer in efforts that delayed, scaled back, or blocked the proposed AI infrastructure investment."

Lyman stated, "What we've uncovered is that Neville Singham's network, in particular the Party for Socialism and Liberation, has been boots on the ground in dozens of protests across the country targeting data centers."

The report details that the Party for Socialism and Liberation, which has solidified its role over the last decade as a prominent political and activist component of the Singham network, has established a national organizing framework. This framework has engaged in 21 campaigns spanning 14 states, all aimed at obstructing AI infrastructure initiatives.

Nineteen specific case studies are documented within the report, encompassing cities and counties such as Charlotte, North Carolina; Prince George's County, Maryland; DeForest, Wisconsin; Monterey Park, California; Denver, Colorado; Tucson, Arizona; Athens, Georgia; Durham, North Carolina; Madison, Wisconsin; New Orleans, Louisiana; and Cleveland, Ohio, among others.

These campaigns, as outlined in the report, led to 10 local moratoria on data center construction, one permanent prohibition, and four projects that were either rejected or withdrawn. The report's authors suggest that this figure likely represents an underestimate of the overall impact, as several other campaigns involved projects with undisclosed investment values.

The report contends that while local residents often express valid concerns regarding issues like water consumption, electricity requirements, and land utilization, activists associated with the Singham network have developed an intricate national operation. This network is described as amplifying these concerns through synchronized organizing efforts, public demonstrations, and political advocacy.

The American opposition to data centers is real and mostly homegrown. But an organized, foreign-aligned party has worked to amplify and convert genuine grievances into actions that slow or degrade America's buildout of data centers.

Key Examples of Local Opposition

Charlotte, North Carolina, is cited as a key example in the report. There, organizers from the Party for Socialism and Liberation reportedly engaged in neighborhood canvassing, distributed petitions, and assisted in organizing demonstrations. These actions preceded the City Council's unanimous approval of a 150-day moratorium on new data centers. The report indicates that these organizers are currently advocating for a permanent prohibition.

In Prince George's County, Maryland, researchers note that the Washington, D.C., chapter of the Party for Socialism and Liberation played a role in organizing community town halls, canvassing neighborhoods, and collecting over 20,000 signatures on petitions. These efforts were directed against Lerner Enterprises' proposed $5 billion Brightseat Tech Park. Subsequently, county officials temporarily halted data center approvals to conduct a review of local policies.

DeForest, Wisconsin, also features in the report, where PSL organizers reportedly collaborated with local residents to oppose a proposed $12 billion hyperscale data center campus from Blackstone-backed QTS. After months of public resistance, village authorities deemed the proposal "not feasible," prompting the developer to withdraw the project.

In Southern California, the Los Angeles chapter of the Party for Socialism and Liberation was involved with the "No Data Centers SGV" coalition. This group orchestrated petitions, public gatherings, and a ballot initiative that ultimately led to Monterey Park enacting California's initial permanent municipal ban on new data centers. The report also suggests that this coalition influenced nearby municipalities to implement further restrictions or temporary moratoria.

Researchers additionally pointed to campaigns in Arizona targeting Amazon's proposed $3.6 billion "Project Blue" near Tucson and a separate $2 billion AI data center plan in Chandler. Both initiatives faced considerable obstacles subsequent to organized opposition.

A Broader Agenda Against U.S. Interests

The report further posits that the resistance against AI infrastructure represents merely one facet of a more extensive campaign by organizations affiliated with Singham.

Lyman commented, "The common thread in all of these nonprofit organizations is that they agitate against American causes—what they call American empire."

He elaborated, "After Oct. 7, these nonprofit networks and their political affiliates were boots on the ground protesting Israel and any action Israel took in Gaza. They did the exact same thing when President Trump took office and started enforcing immigration laws. Now we're seeing the exact same thing take place against the technology industry here in the United States."

Lyman noted that the network's organizational capabilities have transformed it into an increasingly potent political entity.

"This network is incredibly good at organizing," he asserted, adding, "Self-identified socialists in America are incredibly good at getting out the vote, getting their people to protest and getting them to sign petitions."

Growing Federal Focus on Network Funding

Lyman contended that the federal investigation, spearheaded by the Justice Department's Southern District of New York, signifies an increasing awareness in Washington, D.C., of Singham's considerable influence.

"Singham essentially is the figurehead who's funding all of this," Lyman stated. "It makes sense both from a legal perspective and from a policymaking perspective that the American people are starting to take notice of his subversive activities because they are truly prolific."

The report concludes by advocating for enhanced transparency regarding the financial sources supporting the Party for Socialism and Liberation and other groups linked to Singham. It argues that the American public deserves to be aware of who is funding organized efforts aimed at influencing the future of the nation's AI infrastructure.