Does federal law prohibit foreigners from owning shares in U.S. corporations that influence U.S. elections?
Correct Answer
Although federal law prohibits foreigners from directly spending money on U.S. political campaigns, it does not bar them from owning shares in U.S. media corporations that endorse political candidates and publish articles, commentaries, and videos that influence U.S. elections. For example, in 2015 Mexican multi-billionaire Carlos Slim became the largest single shareholder of the New York Times Company. He also loaned the company $250 million during the Great Recession. According to the Times, Slim did this when the company "looked to be in peril." Hence, this foreigner played a major role in ensuring the survival of a U.S. corporation that regularly influences U.S. elections.
DocumentationBig Money in PoliticsFree Speech Facts