Published on June 13, 2024, 12:53 am

Congressional Republicans are presently exploring any purported links between the State Department and a list released by a Ukrainian NGO that names GOP lawmakers, activists, news outlets, and others as adversaries. Notably, this ‘Enemies List’ includes The Daily Wire and a number of their commentators.

In response to these unfolding events, Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) and Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) recently made public a letter they had written to Secretary of State Antony Blinken. They drew attention to their concerns about U.S. backing for Anatoly Bondarenko and his group, the Data Journalism Agency (TEXTY). This organization is the same one responsible for publishing the contentious study containing the said list.

Titled “Rollercoaster: From Trumpists to Communists. The forces in the U.S. impeding aid to Ukraine and how they do it”, this interesting study mentions 338 individuals and 76 organizations — among them Daily Wire hosts Ben Shapiro, Jordan Peterson, Michael Knowles, Matt Walsh, and Brett Cooper.

According to Vance and Gaetz — both listed as enemies — it seems that this so-called research appears to be an attempt to tarnish a sizeable group of Americans who have demonstrated skepticism toward aid designated for Ukraine. They propose that it is uncomfortably similar in nature to a U.S-targeted influence operation that’s been implemented through coordinated media strategies.

The lawmakers are determined to identify if there has been any infringement of U.S law occurring here. They stand firm on common ground with all Americans in their belief that tax dollars should never be expended on supporting direct assaults on U.S citizens based on political disagreements alone. Consequently, they have requested various relevant documents before June 28th.

Among these desired records are those related directly or indirectly to any grants given out to Mr.Bondarenko or his organization TEXTY. Additionally, Vanguard Gaetz want clarity over whether the agency might currently be examining related policy violations.

The State Department was quick to deny involvement in the mentioned ‘Roller Coaster’ project. A spokesperson stated via email that they played no role in its formation or release.

In an online post that moved rapidly across social media last week, Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN) highlighted his concerns about this “Enemies list.” TEXTY, however, has rejected these claims outright. Banks made it clear that he is named on the list and vowed to get in touch with others who are also mentioned.

Similar sentiments were expressed by Michael Knowles as well, another figure listed as an enemy. He thanked Congressman Banks for informing him of his name appearing on a “hit list” from this U.S government-affiliated Ukrainian NGO which led him to hope that Congress will act according to Banks’ advice and discontinue funding for groups aiming attacks at Americans.

Banks has urged Republican leaders of the House Appropriations Committee through a separate message to prevent partnerships between the State Department, USAID and international entities that support harassment of American citizens. His views seem largely supported within party lines — House Republicans passed a stipulation barring funds for TEXTY during a markup session for the Fiscal Year 2025 State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs funding bill held by the full House Appropriations Committee.

To encapsulate his stance on these proceedings with clarity, Jim Banks said: “It’s shameful for our agencies to be using Hoosiers’ tax dollars to collaborate with foreign groups that attempt to intimidate U.S. citizens and lawmakers.” He thanks fellow Republicans on the committee for defunding any collaborate work shared with TEXTY.