Utah women respond to Shark Tank host's accusation of work for Chinese government
Two Utah political organizers, Gabi Finlayson and Jackie Morgan of Elevate_Utah, were accused by "Shark Tank" investor Kevin O'Leary on national television of being Chinese government operatives. This accusation stemmed from their opposition to a massive AI and energy data center project proposed near Brigham City, Box Elder County, which O'Leary heavily backs. The women deny the allegations and state they are focused on informing Utah locals about political developments.
Utah political organizers Gabi Finlayson and Jackie Morgan of Elevate_Utah expressed shock after "Shark Tank" investor Kevin O'Leary accused them on national television of acting as Chinese government operatives. The accusation arose from their public opposition to a large AI and energy data center project proposed near Brigham City in Box Elder County, a development heavily backed by O'Leary.
Finlayson and Morgan, who run a political consulting company named Elevate Strategies, stated they posted videos to inform the public about the proposed data center, highlighting growing local outcry. O'Leary, known as "Mr. Wonderful," mentioned them by name on Fox News, claiming they were "proxies for the Chinese government" and questioning who was funding them. Both women vehemently deny any connection to the Chinese government, asserting their work is focused on engaging Utah residents in local politics.
Morgan described the accusations as a significant shock, especially given the national platform. Finlayson added that O'Leary seemed to believe anyone opposing such a data center must be against national security, thus implying Chinese involvement. The organizers confirmed they have no affiliation with China and never expected to have to address such an accusation.