MacKenzie Scott’s $5M Donation to Solidaire Network Draws Scrutiny Amid FBI Probe

Lens on Bezos’ ex-wife over donations; millions may have gone to groups under FBI probe

In a move that has ignited a firestorm of controversy, billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has found herself at the center of a political and legal maelstrom. Her substantial MacKenzie Scott donation of $5 million to the Solidaire Network in 2025 is now under intense scrutiny, as the network is known to fund organizations that are the subject of active FBI and congressional probes for alleged ties to Hamas .

This latest development adds a complex layer to Scott’s legacy of transformative, unrestricted giving, which has already reshaped the landscape of American non-profits and higher education.

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The Controversial Donation: Solidaire Network in the Spotlight

The Solidaire Network describes itself as a community of donors focused on funding racial, gender, and climate justice movements. However, its grantee list has drawn significant criticism from lawmakers and pro-Israel advocacy groups. In 2025, Scott donated $5 million to this network, following an earlier $10 million contribution in 2021 . This most recent MacKenzie Scott donation has become a focal point for critics who argue that her vast wealth may be indirectly supporting activities that are not only anti-Israel but potentially illegal.

The core of the controversy lies in the fact that while Scott’s gifts are unrestricted, meaning she does not dictate how the money is spent, the Solidaire Network has a clear track record of supporting specific activist groups. This creates a direct, albeit indirect, financial pipeline from one of the world’s most prominent philanthropists to organizations facing serious government investigations.

Groups Under Federal Investigation

The primary recipients of Solidaire Network funding that have triggered these investigations include Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and American Muslims for Palestine (AMP). Both organizations are now under active investigation by multiple committees in the House and Senate, with allegations that they may have coordinated with or provided support to Hamas-affiliated entities .

The federal scrutiny has escalated beyond Capitol Hill. In April 2025, the FBI, in coordination with state police, conducted early morning raids on the homes of pro-Palestinian student activists in Michigan, many of whom were connected to SJP chapters at universities like the University of Michigan [[13], [16], [17]]. These actions signal a serious and ongoing law enforcement interest in the activities of these groups.

Furthermore, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee launched its own formal probe into AMP’s activities on college campuses in March 2025 . This multi-pronged investigative approach—from Congress to federal law enforcement—has placed any organization linked to SJP and AMP under a powerful microscope.

Scott’s Philanthropic Legacy: A Double-Edged Sword?

It’s crucial to contextualize this controversy within the scope of Scott’s unprecedented giving. In 2025 alone, she donated a record-breaking $7.1 to $7.2 billion to various non-profits [[18], [21], [25]]. This brings her total charitable contributions since 2019 to a staggering $26.3 billion across more than 2,700 gifts [[19], [22], [27]]. Her philanthropy has been a lifeline for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), food banks, and organizations dedicated to racial and economic equity—a legacy that stands in stark contrast to the current allegations.

However, this very scale and speed of her giving may be its Achilles’ heel. By prioritizing massive, unrestricted grants to intermediary organizations like the Solidaire Network, Scott delegates the final decision-making on where the money goes. While this model empowers grassroots leaders, it also creates a significant distance between her intent and the ultimate use of her funds, opening the door to the kind of controversy we see today.

The Unrestricted Giving Model and Its Risks

Scott’s philosophy is built on trust-based philanthropy. She believes that the people working on the front lines of social issues know best how to use resources. This is a radical and often praised departure from the traditional, top-down model of foundation giving. Yet, the Solidaire situation highlights a critical risk of this approach:

  • Lack of Direct Oversight: Once the money is given, the donor has no formal control over its allocation.
  • Reputational Risk: The donor’s reputation becomes tied to the actions of every downstream recipient, even if they are several steps removed.
  • Political Vulnerability: In a highly polarized climate, any connection to a controversial group can be weaponized, regardless of the donor’s original intent.

This case serves as a cautionary tale for other major donors who might be considering a similar model. The question is no longer just about giving effectively, but also about giving responsibly in a complex and scrutinized world. For more on modern philanthropy trends, see our deep dive on [INTERNAL_LINK:future-of-philanthropy].

Conclusion and Outlook

The MacKenzie Scott donation to the Solidaire Network is more than just a transaction; it’s a flashpoint in the ongoing debate about the role of private wealth in public life, the limits of free speech and activism, and the responsibilities of ultra-wealthy philanthropists. While Scott’s intent appears to be rooted in a desire for social justice, the unintended consequences of her giving model have placed her in the crosshairs of a major political and legal investigation.

As the FBI and congressional probes continue, the full story of where these millions ultimately ended up may take months or even years to unravel. In the meantime, this episode will undoubtedly force a re-evaluation of unrestricted giving and the due diligence required when channeling billions of dollars through activist networks.

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