Explainer: What to Know About Trump’s New Order to Investigate Lobbying by Federal Grantees
The President has just signed a formal directive that could have a massive impact on thousands of organizations across the country, from major universities to local community charities.
The memorandum is a legal order, but its real-world implications are straightforward. Here is a breakdown of what is happening and what it means for you.
What Did the President Just Do?
In simple terms, President Trump has ordered the U.S. Attorney General to launch a sweeping, nationwide investigation into any organization that receives federal grant money.
The goal of the investigation is to determine if these groups are illegally using taxpayer dollars for political purposes, such as lobbying Congress or supporting political candidates. The President has given the Attorney General 180 days to report back on the progress of this new probe.
What Problem is He Trying to Solve?
The administration’s stated concern is that federal grants are being used as “slush funds for political and legislative advocacy.”
It is already illegal under federal law for an organization to use money from a federal grant to pay for lobbying activities. The President is arguing that this law is not being properly enforced and that taxpayer money is being wasted on groups with “highly political overtones” instead of being used for its intended purpose, like scientific research or community services.
Why Is This Controversial?
This is where a major constitutional and political debate begins. The controversy is not about the law itself – everyone agrees taxpayer money shouldn’t be used for illegal lobbying – but about the motive and potential for abuse of this new investigation.
- The Administration’s View: Supporters see this as a common-sense “drain the swamp” initiative. It’s an effort to enforce existing law, stop the wasteful use of taxpayer funds, and ensure that politically neutral work – not political activism – is what the government is paying for.
- The Critics’ View: Critics, however, see this as a political “witch hunt.” They fear the administration will use the immense power of a DOJ investigation to harass, intimidate, and potentially defund organizations that it sees as its political enemies – such as environmental groups, civil rights organizations, or universities that conduct research that contradicts the administration’s agenda. They argue it will create a “chilling effect” on the legitimate and legal advocacy work of non-profits.
The Bottom Line
The President has just put the entire non-profit, charitable, and university research sector on notice. The Department of Justice is now under orders to launch a major probe into how these groups spend their money. This will undoubtedly lead to significant legal and political battles over the coming months, and it represents a new and powerful front in the administration’s war against what it views as a politically hostile “swamp.”