Wikimedia Foundation CEO Maryana Iskander announces resignation amid scrutiny of the organization’s tax-exempt status and allegations of foreign interference through Wikipedia.
At a Glance
- Maryana Iskander plans to step down as CEO of the Wikimedia Foundation by early 2026
- Her departure comes as the organization faces questions about its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
- U.S. Attorney Edward Martin alleges Wikimedia allows foreign propaganda, potentially violating federal law
- The Foundation has been ordered to respond to these allegations by May 15, 2025
- A board-led search for Iskander’s replacement is underway, aiming to coincide with Wikipedia’s 25th anniversary
Leadership Change at Critical Juncture
The Wikimedia Foundation, the nonprofit organization that oversees Wikipedia and its sister projects, will soon be under new leadership. Current CEO Maryana Iskander has announced her intention to resign in early 2026, after approximately four years in the role. The timing of her departure coincides with Wikipedia’s 25th anniversary celebrations and comes amid growing scrutiny of the organization’s operations, particularly regarding its tax-exempt status in the United States.
While Iskander maintains her exit has been planned and discussed with the board for over a year, the announcement follows serious allegations regarding Wikimedia’s compliance with U.S. tax laws. U.S. Attorney for D.C. Edward Martin has accused the foundation of allowing foreign actors to spread propaganda through Wikipedia, potentially violating the requirements of its 501(c)(3) status, which mandates operations exclusively for educational purposes.
Tax-Exempt Status Under Examination
The Wikimedia Foundation, established by Jimmy Wales in 2003 to house Wikipedia (which he started with Larry Sanger in 2001), has grown substantially over two decades. In 2019, the organization generated over $124 million, primarily from donations, with major financial support coming from tech giants like Google and Microsoft. This financial success has not come without controversy, as the Foundation has been criticized for continuing aggressive fundraising efforts despite substantial reserves.
The accusations now threatening Wikimedia’s tax-exempt status are particularly serious. Martin’s letter suggests that Wikipedia may be operating with political bias rather than purely educational purposes, potentially breaking federal law. The foundation must respond to these allegations by May 15 to demonstrate compliance with U.S. tax-exempt regulations. Special concern has been raised about the board’s composition, which consists primarily of foreign nationals, potentially undermining American taxpayer interests.
Achievements and Controversies Under Iskander
Despite these challenges, Iskander has highlighted several accomplishments during her tenure. These include expanded technical infrastructure and increased donor participation. The Foundation has also developed a program encouraging financial contributions from large technology companies that utilize Wikipedia’s vast data resources, a strategic move to diversify funding sources in an increasingly competitive nonprofit landscape.
Wikimedia board member Raju Narisetti publicly praised Iskander’s leadership, crediting her with advancing the organization’s mission. However, her tenure has not been without controversy. The Foundation has faced ongoing criticism about political bias in Wikipedia’s content, with co-founder Larry Sanger describing the site as “propaganda” and alleging a systematic left-wing slant in its coverage of political and cultural issues.
Looking Toward the Future
As the Wikimedia Foundation prepares for this leadership transition, it faces significant challenges beyond finding Iskander’s replacement. The organization has previously battled censorship from governments including Russia and China, with Russia briefly blocking Wikipedia in 2015 and China blocking all Wikimedia sites in 2019. The Foundation even sued the U.S. National Security Agency in 2015 over First Amendment concerns related to surveillance.
The board-led search for a new CEO comes at a pivotal moment for the organization. Whoever takes the helm must navigate not only the tax status controversy but also ongoing debates about content moderation, political neutrality, and the evolving role of a 21st-century knowledge repository in an age of artificial intelligence and increasing global information warfare. The foundation’s response to the current scrutiny may well determine the future direction of one of the internet’s most visited and influential websites.
