What We’re Watching - 4/25/25
With so much going on, it is understandable for people to feel news whiplash. To help our partners stay focused and find the signal in the noise, we are happy to share what we are tracking:
The Main Point: This month, we’re seeing continued bipartisan concern about the Trump Administration’s approach to civil society and the courts.
Some Examples:
Nonprofits in the limelight — The Trump Administration asked the IRS to investigate the 501(c)(3) status of Harvard, and also named another nonprofit as a potential target for revoking tax exemption. These actions, combined with an Executive Order directing a sweeping review of federal funding for all nongovernmental organizations in a search for “NGOs that undermine the national interest,” have led to significant anxiety and uncertainty in the nonprofit sector. Last week, we joined a call with over 5,000 NGO leaders concerned about how to continue to do their work while worrying about being targeted with politically-motivated investigations. We’ve broken down the 5 Things Synagogues and Jewish Nonprofits Should Know to Protect Their 501(c)(3) Status.
The Kilmar Abrego Garcia Case & What it Means for Judicial Independence — Abrego Garcia, a Maryland father with no criminal record, whose wife and three children are U.S. citizens, was sent to El Salvador's CECOT prison without his legally-recognized right to due process. A federal judge ruled (and the Supreme Court upheld) that the Trump Administration must work to secure his return. The Trump Administration has thus far refused to comply. The President has also stated that his Administration is exploring ways to deport American citizens to El Salvador. These continued efforts to undermine judicial authority has led to criticism from many in the President's own party.
Read more from the What We’re Watching archives:
