Can a think tank remain independent while accepting corporate funding?

Countries & Cities · Published 12 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: New America, a prominent liberal think tank, has faced intense scrutiny over its relationship with major donors. While it champions public interest technology and net neutrality, a 2017 controversy involving a high-profile firing sparked a national debate about how much corporate influence can shape public policy research.

Founded in 1999 by a group of scholars including Ted Halstead and Michael Lind, New America was built on the principles of 'The Radical Center.' This philosophy advocates for centrist political policies to realign the American landscape. Since its inception, the organization has expanded its reach, growing its budget from $1 million to $3 million within its first two years. It now operates across multiple sectors, from national security and healthcare reform to education and technology.

In 2017, a conflict erupted regarding autonomy versus financial backing. Barry C. Open Markets director Lynn lost his job following his remarks against Google, a major benefactor. The move occurred after researchers at the think tank, including prominent scholar Lina Khan, praised European antitrust rulings against the tech giant. While New America's leadership denied allegations of improper influence, 25 employees signed a letter expressing deep concern that donor interests were compromising the organization's integrity.

Despite these controversies, New America remains a significant player in policy advocacy. It manages the Open Technology Institute, which works to protect internet freedom, and has been involved in major legal battles over net neutrality. Its influence is reflected in its diverse portfolio, which includes a database of domestic terrorism, research on ranked-choice voting, and studies on the high costs of childcare. The organization maintains a non-profit status, reporting approximately $37.2 million in revenue for 2024, with funding from major entities like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Bloomberg Philanthropies.

The organization's identity remains a subject of debate; it has been variously described as liberal, left-leaning, and nonpartisan by different media outlets. This complexity highlights the challenge of navigating the 'brain food' landscape, where the pursuit of public good must constantly balance against the practicalities of institutional sustainability and the weight of private capital.

General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.

Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?

Related

• Is the world's most influential think tank truly independent or just well-funded?
• Can a private think tank reshape global governance, philosophy, and the future of technology?
• Can an Elite Think Tank Reconcile Its High-Minded Values With Real-World Financial Controversies?
• How a wartime experiment in strategic planning became a permanent fixture of American policy
• Before it meant a policy institute, think tank was slang for your skull
• Six states began as Pilgrim and Puritan tax rebels
• Why did the Netherlands suffer the highest Jewish death rate in Western Europe?
• How a currency born from hyperinflation became a symbol of political compromise
• “Lower countries” keep a quarter of the land under the sea
• How a struggling political alliance became Latvia's longest-serving democratic government
• How Canada's Nepean electoral district evolved through decades of shifting urban and rural boundaries
• The steam engine that survived a secret life as a power plant

More in Countries and other regions · More in Countries & Cities · Latest · A–Z · All topics