Trump Administration Plans to Target Environmental Nonprofits' Tax-Exempt Status on Earth Day

Environmental organizations are bracing for a potential wave of executive orders from the Trump administration, expected to coincide with Earth Day, that could strip certain environmental nonprofits of their tax-exempt status. Multiple reports indicate the White House is preparing measures that may target groups engaged in legal action against the administration’s policies, as well as their major funders, with some sources suggesting possible investigations and funding restrictions. Trump has publicly suggested that tax-exempt status is a privilege that has been abused and hinted that environmental groups could be among those targeted. The move appears to be part of a broader strategy aligned with the administration’s push for increased domestic fossil fuel production and comes amid ongoing scrutiny of green groups’ alleged foreign ties. Environmental nonprofits and funders are forming legal teams and preparing for potential court challenges, characterizing the rumored actions as intimidation tactics with questionable legal grounding. The sector is on high alert, with widespread concern that these actions could escalate into a broader crackdown on environmental advocacy.