We were overwhelmed by the volume of reader feedback following our recent article on Chinese ownership of U.S. farmland. And the passion is unmistakable…

“The Chinese most certainly should not control American farmland. Period,” says Melvin T.

Richmond J. says: “I applaud FBI Director Kash Patel’s constitutional stance on land ownership, citizenship and rule of law.”

Carroll P. agrees: “I support Kash Patel’s position, opposing any Chinese person, company or entity from purchasing land in the U.S.”

At the same time, Amarllis H. questions: “Why are foreign countries — especially China — allowed to purchase U.S. land? Foreign countries should NEVER be allowed to purchase our farmland, particularly not next to our military installations.”

“Take the farmland back,” Janice H. adds. “I hope we confiscate this farmland and put it back into American hands.”

The consensus is loud: American land belongs to Americans.

But China’s interest in American farmland is part of a larger pattern of investment that has raised alarms among security experts and lawmakers.

Your Rundown for Friday, May 9, 2025...

AND… Protect U.S. Housing

Ric Grenell, Presidential Envoy for Special Missions, cautions: “China’s end goal is not confined to land ownership,” signaling a broader strategic intent behind these acquisitions.

To wit, Chinese investment in U.S. real estate has been a significant factor shaping housing markets.

For years, Chinese buyers have purchased American properties as stable investments, wealth preservation tools and gateways for family education and immigration.

Despite a notable slowdown since 2017 — largely due to Beijing’s tightened capital controls limiting outbound funds — Chinese purchasers still own tens of thousands of homes nationwide.

Estimates suggest that in the greater Los Angeles area alone, roughly 150,000 single-family homes are owned by international buyers, many from China, with a substantial share held as investment properties rather than primary residences.

This trend extends to other metropolitan areas, including San Francisco, New York and Seattle, where properties often remain vacant or underutilized.

Such vacancies exacerbate local housing shortages and affordability challenges, especially when coupled with rising mortgage interest rates and limited inventory.

The situation is further complicated by ongoing geopolitical tensions and trade disputes, which have prompted some Chinese investors to reassess their U.S. holdings.

Thus the broader U.S. housing market faces pressure from foreign sales of mortgage-backed securities, where China is a major player.

Experts warn that if China accelerates its sales of these securities, mortgage rates could climb further, dampening buyer demand and deepening affordability issues.

This financial dynamic, alongside Chinese-owned real estate in the U.S., underscores the complex nature of foreign influence on America’s housing landscape.

Kash Patel’s campaign addresses not only the immediate risks posed by foreign control of strategic assets but also the long-term implications of allowing adversarial powers to gain footholds on American soil.

Market Rundown for Friday, May 9, 2025

S&P 500 futures are up 0.30% to 5,700.

Oil is up 2.15% to $61.20 for a barrel of WTI.

Gold’s up 0.85% to $3,335.40 per ounce.

And Bitcoin’s up 1.75% to $103,000.