Since the start of his 2024 presidential campaign, Donald Trump has signalled that retribution would be a central theme of his presidency. Back in 2016, he famously declared, “I am your voice.” But today, as he seeks a second term, his message has become more forceful: “I am your warrior. I am your justice. And for those who have been wronged and betrayed, I am your retribution.”
This vow of retribution has guided much of Trump’s actions since his first term in office, where he repeatedly used the power of the presidency to target his critics. He has gone after law firms, revoked the security clearances of top national security experts, and even attempted to defund critical university research grants. He has also labelled major news outlets such as CNN and MSNBC as “corrupt” and “illegal,” accusing them of spreading fake news.
As 2024 progresses, Trump’s retribution tactics appear to be escalating. Not satisfied with targeting individual critics, he has now set his sights on nonprofit organisations, especially those that have taken him to court. One of his top targets is Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), a nonprofit watchdog that has consistently challenged his actions in court.
CREW, a nonpartisan organisation that promotes government accountability and transparency, has been a thorn in Trump’s side for years. The group has sued Trump over alleged violations of the Emoluments Clause, challenged his failure to comply with the Presidential Records Act, and fought against several executive orders he signed. In 2021, CREW took action in the courts to attempt to disqualify Trump from running for office again, arguing that his role in the January 6th insurrection made him constitutionally ineligible to be on the ballot.
CREW’s work didn’t stop there. In January 2024, they filed a lawsuit against Trump’s administration to block a plan to fire federal employees unlawfully. The group also filed a case against the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to force the agency to be more transparent about its operations. These lawsuits are part of CREW’s ongoing mission to ensure that government actions are held to account, regardless of which party is in power.
However, Trump is not happy with CREW’s efforts. On Thursday, during a press conference in the Oval Office, Trump aimed at CREW, threatening to strip the organisation of its tax-exempt status. When asked by a reporter which group he would like to see lose its nonprofit status, Trump singled out CREW, saying, “I have a group named CREW… They have a guy that heads CREW. It’s supposed to be a charitable organization, but the only charity they had is going after Donald Trump.”
Trump’s comments were seen as an attack on the very foundations of nonprofit organisations. By threatening to revoke CREW’s tax-exempt status, Trump is effectively attempting to cut off funding and resources for the group, making it more difficult for them to carry out their mission of holding the government accountable. This move raises serious questions about whether Trump is trying to weaponise the power of the presidency to silence his critics.
Legal experts were quick to criticize Trump’s statements. Attorney Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, a senior fellow at the American Immigration Council, noted that it is a federal crime for a president or senior White House staff member to request an audit or investigation by the IRS targeting a specific taxpayer.
“It is literally a federal crime punishable by up to five years in prison,” Reichlin-Melnick tweeted. “The Trump administration has gone after law firms, they’ve gone after universities, and now they’re going after civil society, including groups like @CREWcrew. They want to silence any opposition to their extreme agenda.”
Public Citizen, a nonprofit advocacy group, also weighed in on the issue. “President Trump is now threatening to weaponize the IRS against nonprofit organizations like @CREWcrew,” the organization said in a statement. “He is attacking our most basic right: to say what we believe without fear of government prosecution.”
Trump’s actions are a clear attempt to intimidate and silence groups that challenge his administration. His move to target CREW is part of a broader pattern of going after organisations that oppose him. If this tactic continues, it could set a dangerous precedent for how the government treats political dissent. It also raises questions about the future of free speech in America, especially when government power is used to target organizations that hold the administration accountable.
In response to Trump’s threats, CREW issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to continuing its work. Jordan Libowitz, Vice President of Communications for CREW, said, “For more than 20 years, CREW has exposed government corruption from politicians of both parties who violate the public trust and has worked to promote an ethical, transparent government.” He added, “Good governance groups are the heart of a healthy democracy. We will continue to do our work to ensure Americans have an ethical and accountable government.”
As the 2024 election draws nearer, it’s clear that Trump’s retribution campaign will remain a central feature of his political strategy. The question now is whether his attacks on organizations like CREW will resonate with voters or if they will backfire, as many legal experts suggest. Regardless of the outcome, the ongoing battle between Trump and nonprofit organizations represents a crucial test for the future of political accountability in America.
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Jon King is an experienced journalist with 3 years of experience in the field. With a strong background in investigative reporting, Jon is known for his in-depth coverage of crime news, finance news, local news, and USA news. Currently working with Mikeandjonpodcast, Jon brings his sharp investigative skills, where he provides timely updates and analysis on a wide range of topics. His commitment to delivering accurate and impactful news has earned him a reputation for providing insightful and comprehensive stories that resonate with his audience.
