Qatar’s Billion‑Dollar Influence Machine, Clarence Thomas Challenges Progressivism & the Liberal Heckler’s Veto Playbook Week In Review

The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson · Apr 25, 2026 · 32m

1. Allegations of Qatar’s Influence Campaign in the U.S. Qatar spends billions of dollars funding U.S. universities to influence American public opinion and academic culture. Qatar hires Washington, D.C.–based PR and lobbying firms to “whitewash” its image, particularly regarding claims of support for extremist groups. Qatar’s status is the largest foreign funder of U.S. universities, surpassing countries like China, and suggests this funding correlates with campus political activism. Specific universities (e.g., Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Carnegie Mellon) are…