“A Tyrant Tightens His Grip”: Critics Warn Trump Could Use New Bill to Target Opponents
(AP)
President-elect Donald Trump may soon gain a powerful tool to dismantle organizations opposing him, thanks to legislation passed by the Republican-controlled House of Representatives. Known as H.R. 9495, the “Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act,” the bill passed on Thursday with a 219-184 vote. While most Democrats opposed it, 15 joined Republicans in support.
If signed into law, the bill would grant the U.S. Treasury Secretary authority to label any nonprofit as a “terrorist-supporting organization” and revoke its tax-exempt status. Critics warn this could render such groups financially inoperable, effectively silencing dissent.
The scope of the bill raises concerns it could be weaponized against prominent nonprofits that have been vocal critics of Trump’s policies, such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the NAACP, Planned Parenthood, and the Southern Poverty Law Center. Nonprofit news organizations like ProPublica, Mother Jones, and the Texas Tribune could also be targeted.
Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) was among the bill’s most outspoken critics, arguing that existing laws already adequately address nonprofit support for terrorism. Doggett accused the bill of being a thinly veiled mechanism to grant Trump unchecked power to suppress opposition.
“Authoritarianism is not born overnight—it creeps in,” Doggett warned. “A tyrant tightens his grip not just by seizing power but when he demands new powers and when those who can stop him willingly cede and bend to his will.”
Supporters of the bill argue it enhances national security by providing tools to crack down on groups that may indirectly support terrorism. However, critics say the language is so broad it could be used to stifle legitimate organizations engaging in lawful advocacy.
The legislation now moves to the Senate, where its fate remains uncertain. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has yet to take a public position on the bill. However, Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) has emerged as a vocal opponent, echoing concerns about its potential misuse.
As the bill advances, opponents warn it could embolden Trump to escalate attacks on civil liberties. With organizations central to civil rights, reproductive rights, and independent journalism potentially at risk, the stakes for the Senate’s decision are high.
