U.S. Senator Ted Cruz’s Connection To Alleged Chinese Cult Surfaces Amid Million-Dollar Laundering Scheme
A recent investigation has caused a link between the notorious Shen Yun and its associated cult and U.S. Senator Ted Cruz to surface.
To many, Shen Yun is known for the performance advertisements that seem to be in every major city, promising an unforgettable night of traditional Chinese dance and music performances.
However, in recent years, the performances have been criticized for the unexpected political messages found in the lyrics and visuals of the show. This is likely linked to Falun Gong, the new religious movement that operates Shen Yun.
The religious organization is known for its “ultra-conservative” beliefs, including opposing homosexuality, vaccines, and feminism. Falun Gong is led by Li Hongzhi, regarded as a deity-like figure by followers.
To his followers, Li is a God-like figure who can levitate, walk through walls, and see into the future. His ultra-conservative and controversial teachings include a rejection of modern science, art and medicine, and a denunciation of homosexuality, feminism and general worldliness.
— A 2023 NBC article on Falun Gong
The organization has been banned in China, where it was referred to as a “heretical cult.” Li Hongzhi resides in a compound in Deer Park, New York with hundreds of followers.
Shen Yun also rehearses on this property, which contains temples and schools.
The seclusion from society, exaltation of a single individual leader, and highly controversial views have caused many to see the organization as a cult.
Many may wonder where the connection between Ted Cruz and this religious organization may come into play, and it has everything to do with the recent investigation into The Epoch Times CFO, Bill Guan.
Recently, Weidong “Bill“ Guan was charged with participating in a 64 million dollar money laundering scheme that involved “fraudulently obtained unemployment insurance benefits.” According to authorities, Guan and several working under him used bitcoin to purchase these benefits on prepaid debit cards and then place these funds into personal and company bank accounts.
The Epoch Times is a newspaper that has been linked to Falun Gong, having been established by followers of the religious movement in 2000. The newspaper often publishes articles advertising Shen Yun performances and other things related to Falun Gong and its other media.
The connection to Ted Cruz comes in due to allegations that The Epoch Times sponsors and promotes the senator’s work, with Cruz sharing articles from the organization frequently. Cruz is also listed as an author on the site, with his most recent article being posted last year.
"'Well yes we should secure the border and we should have amnesty' that was the old democratic position and a lot of republicans. Now their position is 'no, don't secure the border at all, let everybody in, and have amnesty'" – @tedcruz at #CPAC2019 pic.twitter.com/4WQY5HzZQL
— The Epoch Times (@EpochTimes) March 2, 2019
This…is…nuts. https://t.co/SozDwITYWf
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) January 30, 2023
It is outrageous that the Biden administration is using federal law enforcement to engage in financial surveillance of Americans.
If an American uses words like 'MAGA' or 'Trump' or buys sporting goods like firearms, they can end up on a government watchlist. Shockingly, the…
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) January 19, 2024
The ties between The Epoch Times and Shen Yun have been reported by media but have been frequently denied by the organizations. Guan has pled not guilty, and the newspaper has said that it plans to cooperate during the investigation.
