Democrat Senator Tried to Pressure Government Agencies Into Targeting Conservative Groups

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R. I.) tried to use federal agencies like the Department of Justice and the Internal Revenue Service to act against groups propagating conservative programs, according to documents (pdf) obtained by the watchdog American Accountability Foundation.

In a letter sent to IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig on Jan. 19, 2021, Whitehouse asked for revoking the tax-exempt status of conservative organization Turning Point USA as the entity held an event at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club without observing social distancing and masking rules, according to The Daily Signal which received the documents.

“Tax-exempt status provides a substantial benefit to charitable organizations and reflects the federal government’s endorsement of an organization’s activities,” Whitehouse wrote to the IRS chief.

“Organizations that knowingly put in danger minors entrusted to their care should not enjoy the benefits of tax-exempt status. Accordingly, I urge the IRS to review whether it should revoke Turning Point USA’s tax-exempt status.” The entity’s stated mission is to develop young Americans into conservative leaders.

In a response to Whitehouse on Mar. 28, 2021, Rettig said that he wouldn’t reveal whether the IRS was investigating or acting against Turning Point USA, citing the protection of privacy of tax returns.

In another letter dated May 5, 2022, the Rhode Island Democrat complained to Rettig, Attorney General Merrick Garland, and Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen about nonprofits engaging in political activity and reporting it to the Federal Election Commission, but denying such activity with the IRS.... (Read more)

Tweets mentioned:

https://twitter.com/SenWhitehouse/status/1597364183062171648

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