Rep. Stansbury Questions Witness on Trump's Alleged Illegal Attacks on NGOs

Oversight Hearing on Project 2025 and NGO Funding

• 🎯 Rep. Melanie Stansbury questioned witnesses regarding their involvement with Project 2025 and its funding networks.
• 🤝 Witnesses confirmed advisory roles for Project 2025 and that Capital Research Center acted as a fiscal sponsor for a nonprofit involving Jenny Thomas.

Funding Networks and Dark Money

• 💰 The discussion highlighted that approximately $400,000 was channeled through Capital Research Center, with primary donors including the Koch brothers, the Surls, the Mercers, and Leonard Leo.
• 🔗 These organizations are described as being funded through "dark money networks" and are linked to Project 2025's authors placed in the current administration.

Attacks on Nonprofit Organizations

• 🏛️ Stansbury stated that President Trump's administration is undertaking attacks on nonprofit organizations, including attempts to rescind tax-exempt status.
• ⚖️ A witness affirmed that it is illegal for the president or executive office to direct the IRS to change the tax status of any organization, with potential penalties of up to 5 years in prison.

Advice for Nonprofits

• 💡 Nonprofits should be aware that such actions are illegal and should continue their vital work in communities.
• ✅ They are encouraged not to be distracted by threats and unlawful actions, emphasizing that nonprofits are local, transparent, accountable, and nonpartisan entities serving community needs.