Following protests at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill) concerning the Israel-Hamas war, a GoFundMe campaign titled “Pi Kappa Phi Men Defended their Flag. Throw ’em a Rager” rapidly gained traction. This fundraiser, initiated by an individual named John Noonan, has sparked significant attention and generated over $485,000 in donations as of Thursday evening. But who exactly is John Noonan, and what are his connections to the UNC fraternity and the broader political landscape?
The protests at UNC-Chapel Hill saw demonstrators clashing with law enforcement and community members. Amidst this, members of fraternities, identified as Pi Kappa Phi and Alpha Epsilon Pi, intervened when protestors replaced the U.S. flag with a Palestinian flag. Images of these fraternity members holding the U.S. flag went viral, amplified across social media platforms by figures like Guillermo Estrada and Senator Ted Budd.
Students, largely young men from UNC-Chapel Hill fraternities, are pictured holding the American flag after it was taken down and replaced by a Palestinian flag by protesters on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.
The Viral Fundraiser and its Republican Roots
John Noonan launched the GoFundMe with provocative language, labeling protesters as “commie losers” and praising the fraternity members as “American heroes.” This rhetoric resonated online, attracting endorsements from prominent conservative voices including country singer John Rich, political commentator Dan Bongino, and former basketball coach Matt Doherty. Even Republican Congressman Mike Collins contributed to the fund.
However, despite the fundraiser’s title referencing Pi Kappa Phi, the fraternity chapter at UNC-Chapel Hill stated they had no connection to John Noonan. They also expressed unfamiliarity with Susan Ralston, who was listed as a beneficiary. This raised questions about the fundraiser’s origins and intended recipients.
John Noonan’s Background: Republican Ties and National Security
John Noonan is not directly affiliated with UNC or Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. His background is firmly rooted in Republican politics and national security. He previously served as an advisor to Republican Senator Tom Cotton on military and defense matters. Currently, he is associated with Polaris National Security, a non-profit organization advocating for American interests and security.
Further tracing his political career, Noonan was a national security advisor for Jeb Bush’s 2016 presidential campaign and a defense policy advisor for Mitt Romney’s 2012 presidential run. He also held a fellowship at the Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics in 2018 and has contributed writings to the National Review. His extensive resume highlights a deep involvement in conservative political circles and national security discourse.
Susan Ralston, the initially named beneficiary, also has strong Republican ties. She served in the George W. Bush White House for six years and was a deputy to Karl Rove. Her later involvement with Citizens for Responsible Solar, known for opposing solar projects, further illustrates her engagement in political and advocacy spheres.
Fundraiser’s Evolution and Intended Use of Funds
Initially described as a modest effort to fund a party for the fraternity members, the GoFundMe’s immense success prompted a shift in plans. John Noonan stated the fundraiser evolved into a “cultural moment.” Donations were halted on Thursday night, with the total exceeding $485,000.
Noonan clarified that the fundraiser was an independent initiative, not directly organized by Pi Kappa Phi, despite using the fraternity’s name. He indicated plans to establish an independent entity with a board of directors and fraternity representation to manage the funds. The intended use of the money now includes a “killer party” and donations to charities.
GoFundMe also confirmed they were in contact with the organizer to ensure fund transparency. Susan Ralston acknowledged being asked to help plan the fraternity party, adding another layer to her involvement. Pi Kappa Phi’s national spokeswoman and Alpha Epsilon Pi International Fraternity also confirmed their lack of direct involvement in organizing the fundraiser. Alpha Epsilon Pi mentioned that any funds received would support their philanthropies related to Jewish and Israeli causes.
Conclusion: A Political Figure in a Campus Controversy
The viral fundraiser at UNC-Chapel Hill, ostensibly for fraternity members defending the U.S. flag, is intricately linked to John Noonan, a figure deeply embedded in Republican politics and national security. While the fundraiser tapped into a wave of patriotic sentiment, questions remain regarding the precise allocation of the substantial funds raised and the extent of fraternity involvement. The event underscores the intersection of campus protests, viral online activism, and national political narratives, with John Noonan positioned as a central orchestrator of this unfolding story.
