BYD Americas Donates Hundreds of Thousands to Democrats

BYD Americas, the U.S. subsidiary of the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD, has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to Democratic candidates and organizations over the past decade, raising concerns about potential political influence. Contributions include over $40,000 to the Democratic National Committee and more than $30,000 to organizations supporting President Biden's 2024 reelection campaign. Key beneficiaries include California Governor Gavin Newsom, who received about $60,000 amid scrutiny over a $1 billion no-bid contract awarded to BYD during the pandemic. Other notable recipients include former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and former Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich. Congress has responded to security concerns by banning the Pentagon from purchasing BYD batteries, which adds to the scrutiny surrounding the company's ties to American politics. The situation highlights ongoing debates about foreign influence in U.S. elections and policy decisions.