On July 10, 2020, Terry Tamminen, a respected environmentalist and long-time board member of Waterkeeper Alliance (WKA), announced his resignation. He was worried about the organization’s financial practices, particularly regarding over $67 million that WKA had received and redistributed over the past six years. This figure was striking, especially since the organization previously had annual revenues of around $4 million.
Tamminen’s concerns escalated when he discovered that WKA had allegedly funneled funds to the Bahamas, allegedly to support Louis Bacon, a hedge-fund billionaire, in his legal battles against Peter Nygård, a Canadian fashion mogul. A lawsuit filed by Nygård suggested that WKA’s activities were not only suspicious but possibly illegal. The complaint claimed that WKA’s actions were designed to damage Nygård’s business interests at the behest of Bacon, a major donor to WKA.
“Where did that money go? The whole thing stunk. It was obvious they were hiding something.”
Tamminen’s resignation letter expressed his frustration over a lack of transparency regarding the financial flow within WKA. He repeatedly sought answers from the organization’s leadership, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., but was left unsatisfied. He questioned if the significant funding was properly documented and intended for charitable purposes, casting doubt on the organization’s operations.
In retrospect, Tamminen’s queries were tied to a larger legal dispute between Bacon and Nygård, which had attracted media attention due to its outrageous nature, involving multiple lawsuits and even allegations of threats against Bacon. The legal struggle between these two wealthy individuals played out against a backdrop filled with intrigue, accusations of criminal activity, and public spectacle.
Reports revealed that WKA transferred at least $63 million to an organization called Save the Bays, which had been formed to protect the environment in the Bahamas and also filed lawsuits against Nygård. Many WKA staff members deemed these financial transfers unusual, raising concerns over Kennedy’s leadership style and the organization’s priorities. The significant amounts being passed along led to suspicions that funds might have been misappropriated for private feuds rather than environmental causes.
By 2023, the total funds that WKA funneled for alleged environmental work in the Caribbean totaled $79 million. A WKA trustee claimed these funds were used for litigation-related costs incurred by Save the Bays, although former WKA associates voiced skepticism about how such a small group could absorb such enormous sums. Tamminen noted that without detailed accounts and proper oversight, he felt unable to fulfill his fiduciary duties and opted to resign.
“There’s no way you can spend $79 million on this type of litigation. You can buy a whole ecosystem for that amount of money.”
Following Tamminen’s departure, a review of the financial practices within WKA was conducted, concluding with vague assurances of no wrongdoing. However, many questioned the thoroughness and independence of this investigation, given it was overseen by individuals affiliated with the organization. Reports from former employees suggested that WKA’s operations were shrouded in secrecy, with a “cult-like” atmosphere around Kennedy.
Despite facing mounting scrutiny, Kennedy remained in the public eye, taking on controversial positions, particularly regarding vaccines. He eventually resigned as WKA president in late 2020, citing his longtime commitment to the organization but making no mention of the controversial Bahamas activities. His departure raised questions about the future of WKA and its integrity, leaving many observers concerned about the significant financial dealings that remained largely unexplained.
