Top Democrat Issues Statement on New Committee Report about Trump Administration Targeting Nonprofits

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Joe Morelle (NY-25), the top Democrat on the Committee on House Administration, issued this statement about a new Committee report calling out the Trump administration for attempting to undermine the foundations of our democracy and weaken Americans’ confidence in the 2026 midterm elections through attacks on nonprofit organizations and other civic institutions. These organizations, along with journalists, universities, and professional associations, are on the front lines of serving communities, protecting constitutional rights, and helping Americans navigate moments of crisis and uncertainty.

"Nonprofits and civic organizations are not some abstract parts of our democracy. They are part of our everyday lives,” said Ranking Member Morelle. "Today’s report is one part of a much broader effort, working alongside allies, to expose attacks on nonprofit organizations and document the weaponization of the federal government against this community so critical to our social fabric. We must push back when this abuse of power is used to punish perceived opponents, deter lawful civic engagement, and undermine the foundations of our democracy."

"This report should alarm anyone who stands for our fundamental First Amendment rights," said Vanita Gupta, former Associate Attorney General at the Justice Department. "The federal government's actions against nonprofits and independent institutions are not isolated incidents. They are part of a coordinated effort by this administration to silence speech and dissent, including targeting critical organizations ahead of the midterm elections."

"Since President Trump re-took office, Americans Against Government Censorship has worked to expose and thwart the Administration’s whole of government approach to silencing opposition, chilling speech and action, and undermining free elections, all to help the President and his allies hold onto power," said Cole Leiter, Executive Director of Americans Against Government Censorship. "This report is an unprecedented recounting of the way  how this Administration has weaponized power against its enemies and created the environment for corruption to flourish, and it is key to the roadmap Congress is establishing for oversight, accountability, and an agenda that takes our country back for everyday Americans next year."

The report entitled, "Silenced, Sidelined and Under Threat: How the Trump Administration is Targeting Nonprofits and Weakening Democracy," provides readers with:

• Ways the administration is undercutting civil society by abusing law enforcement and national security authorities, attacking the institutions that protect freedom of expression, speech and faith, silencing nonprofits with disfavored viewpoints, and undermining free and fair elections.
• A pattern of abuse by the Trump administration and its allies that, taken together, amount to a systematic effort to weaponize government authority against civil society.

Click here to read the report.