President Donald Trump issued a directive last week ordering the Department of Justice to investigate whether federal grant funds are being used for illegal lobbying or partisan political activity.
The order, titled “Use of Appropriated Funds for Illegal Lobbying and Partisan Political Activity by Federal Grantees”, instructs the Attorney General to review how federal dollars are distributed and to take enforcement action against organizations that may be using taxpayer money to influence legislation or support political candidates. A report on the investigation’s progress is due to the president within 180 days.
Trump said recent funding reviews uncovered “highly political overtones” in the way some federal grants are spent, calling it a “wasteful, abusive, and potentially fraudulent” misuse of public money. Federal law (31 U.S.C. 1352) already prohibits recipients of federal funds from using those funds for lobbying purposes, but nonprofits find workarounds.
The directive could have implications in Alaska, where billions of federal dollars flow into the state each year through grants to local governments, tribes, nonprofits, universities, and health organizations.
For example, The Alaska Center (for the Environment), a nonprofit focused on environmental advocacy and community engagement, has received federal grants and has a political arm that financially supports candidates and pushes political agendas. Specifically, it has been awarded funds through the Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program, a funding mechanism of the EPA, with grants ranging from $150,000 to $350,000.
Another focus of funding will be the various arms of tribal organizations in the state, which are regularly found to advocate for public policy issues. Catholic Social Services and Covenant House Alaska are also federal grantees that may engage in lobbying.
The Attorney General’s report, due within six months, will determine whether Alaska organizations face new compliance burdens or even enforcement actions if they are found to be engaging in partisan political battles.
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I’ve been waiting a long, long time for this. Actually, had given up that this could actually happen. When the DoJ begins overturning rocks, you’ll see what these insects have been doing with your tax dollars and you’ll be disgusted.
First of all, I don’t want my tax dollars being used for all these social programs. Most of them exist for the sole purpose of laundering money and funneling it to do-nothings. Anything with a name that includes “Thriving Communities” or “Environment” or similar nonsense is immediately suspect.
Second, I hope something actually comes out of this investigation and that at least some of the money is clawed back by the government.
Democrats = CHEATERS + LIARS
Will cities, states, counties, boroughs also be required to not lobby, since they all seem to employ lobbyists (sp?)? Or only non-profits? Some non-profits like PETA, only lobby, that’s almost their sole function. It would be interesting to know what federal grants they obtain. PETA is just one annoying group, there are so many others.
So do we start by auditing the lobbyists first and see who is paying them, then work backwards to those groups to see if they’ve received federal grant money? Then pick apart their bookkeeping to see if they are using any money for lobbying? There’s so many ways to twist where your money comes from and how you spend it. I picked on PETA above, only because the vast majority of their money goes to lobbying, not helping people or pets.
Non profits and NGOs seemed to have proliferated during the Obama years and again gained momentum during the Biden years. They’re everywhere and seem to have unlimited funding for all their nefarious activities. It’s everywhere from lobbying, climate change initiatives, voting changes, anti firearm initiatives, and cultural influencing. Many are tied in which our gov”t agencies and actually dictate policy. Time for a shakedown.