Trump and his cronies will look to attack unfavorable non-profits, watchdog warns

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Trump and his Republican allies could utilize the Department of Justice and the Internal Revenue Service to conduct politically motivated investigations and enact laws to limit their work, according to Adrienne Watson, a former White House and Democratic National Committee spokesperson at the Congressional Integrity Project. Watson is set to lead the Civic Defense Project amid concerns that a second Trump term would usher in policies outlined in Project 2025, a rightwing blueprint for a new Republican administration. A watchdog has warned that his administration is likely to target progressive non-profits Advocates argue that the danger of these new efforts isn’t just because of prospective political probes but also the use of agencies like the IRS and the Department of Justice to look into, prosecute, and possibly close down, organizations that work against the policies of the new administration. “Congressional Integrity Project is proud to launch our new program to defend the individuals and progressive infrastructure from these baseless attacks while continuing the vital work of holding those who abuse their positions accountable.” Last month, the House passed legislation that would hand the treasury department the power to remove tax-exempt status from non-profit organizations that it says backs terrorism, with critics arguing that this law could be used to go after groups the administration disagrees with.