Overview
- Donald Trump publicly threatened to strip nonprofit watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) of its tax-exempt status.
- CREW has long been a legal opponent of Trump, filing lawsuits over emoluments clause violations, Presidential Records Act compliance, and constitutional issues.
- Legal experts warn that directing the IRS to target a specific organization could violate federal law, potentially carrying criminal penalties.
- Trump's latest remarks are part of a broader strategy to punish critics, including targeting law firms, universities, and media outlets through executive actions.
- Civil society groups have condemned the threat, emphasizing the importance of protecting nonprofits' rights to advocate without fear of government retaliation.