National Security Directive Targets Nonprofits and Activists Under Domestic Terrorism Pretext
A recent national security directive issued by the Trump administration, National Security Presidential Memorandum 7 (NSPM-7), is drawing significant criticism for its broad definition of domestic terrorism and its potential to be used to target non-profit organizations and activists. Released on September 25, 2025, the memorandum outlines a national strategy to counter domestic terrorism and organized political violence, instructing federal agencies to investigate and disrupt perceived networks fomenting such activities. However, civil liberties advocates argue that the policy is a thinly veiled attempt to suppress dissent and silence opposition to the administration’s agenda.
Core Provisions and Concerns of NSPM-7
NSPM-7 directs federal agencies, including the Department of Justice (DOJ), FBI, Treasury, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS), to aggressively investigate entities with alleged direct or indirect connections to political violence. The memorandum does not create new legal authority but directs the aggressive use of existing powers. Critics point to the broad language used, particularly concerning “indirect support” and vague definitions of “domestic terrorism” and “political violence,” as reasons for concern. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) states that the policy could lead to increased surveillance and suppression of dissent, as it may be used to target individuals and organizations based on their political views rather than concrete evidence of criminal activity.
Potential Targeting of Nonprofits and Activists
The primary concern raised by organizations like the ACLU and the Brennan Center for Justice is that NSPM-7 could be weaponized against civil society groups, including non-profits, charitable foundations, and activists who hold views unfavorable to the administration. The memorandum instructs the IRS to ensure that no tax-exempt entities are directly or indirectly financing political violence or domestic terrorism, and to refer such organizations, along with their employees and officers, to the DOJ for investigation and potential prosecution. Legal experts warn that this could lead to politically motivated probes, potential criminal charges, and revocation of tax-exempt status for groups engaged in legitimate advocacy and organizing.
Background and Context
The issuance of NSPM-7 follows other administration actions, such as an executive order designating “Antifa” as a domestic terrorist organization, and investigations into groups like the Open Society Foundations. Critics argue these actions are part of a broader pattern of the Trump administration using national security tools to target perceived political opponents. The memorandum itself cites a recent increase in political violence, including assassinations and attacks on high-profile figures, attributing it to “sophisticated, organized campaigns” driven by ideologies such as “anti-Americanism, anti-capitalism, and anti-Christianity”. However, many organizations contend that these definitions are overly broad and can be used to conflate protected speech and association with terrorism.
Implications for Civil Liberties and Democracy
Civil liberties advocates emphasize that NSPM-7’s broad language and “pre-crime” framework could chill free speech and association, leading to self-censorship by individuals and organizations fearing government scrutiny. The ACLU asserts that the Constitution’s First Amendment protections against viewpoint-based discrimination and government coercion remain in effect, and that no president has the power to punish organizations simply because he disagrees with them. Legal experts suggest that while the memo creates no new legal authority, its directive for aggressive use of existing powers poses significant risks to tax-exempt organizations engaged in advocacy. The potential for politically motivated investigations and the vague definitions of prohibited activities have raised alarms about the future of democratic participation and civic engagement in the United States.
In response to these concerns, state governors and local mayors are being encouraged to refuse cooperation with potentially politically motivated federal investigations related to NSPM-7 to protect non-profits and charities within their jurisdictions.
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