Nonprofit For-Prophet Organizations
What powers in politics do nonprofit for-prophet organizations have?
Under federal tax law, 501(c)(3) organizations, which are classified as nonprofits, are prohibited from endorsing political candidates, making campaign contributions, or engaging in partisan political activities. However, these organizations can engage in nonpartisan activities, such as voter registration efforts, get-out-the-vote campaigns, and voter education, as long as they comply with IRS guidelines established in 2007. Nonprofits may also participate in discussions related to ballot measures and have the option to rent their facilities to political groups, provided they follow standard rental procedures.
Nonprofit Guidelines - Treading the line of legality
Importantly, while 501(c)(3) nonprofits cannot contribute to Political Action Committees (PACs), they can form affiliated 501(c)(4) organizations, which are permitted to engage in political activities. Nonprofit staff and board members are allowed to personally endorse political candidates, but they must take care to ensure that such endorsements are made in their individual capacity and do not suggest that the nonprofit organization itself is endorsing a candidate. These guidelines are crucial in maintaining the nonprofit's tax-exempt status and preventing any overlap between charitable missions and political influence, particularly in nonprofit for-prophet organizations.
Do donors to these foundations need to be public?
Many of these organizations have ties to wealthy billionaires or influential people in the conservative sphere. After the Supreme Court case Americans for Prosperity v. Bonta, a case taken by the Alliance Defending Freedom, the names of those who donate to nonprofit organizations do not need to be made public.
Citizens United - the supreme court case that broke american democracy
The Creation of Super PACs
The Citizens United v. FEC decision in 2010 had a significant and lasting impact on campaign finance in the United States. One of the most notable effects was the dramatic increase in political spending. By allowing corporations and unions to spend unlimited amounts on independent political advertising, the ruling led to a substantial rise in overall campaign expenditures, especially from super PACs, which are independent political action committees.
dark money in politics
This decision also led to the rise of super PACs, which are now able to raise and spend unlimited funds for or against political candidates, as long as they do not coordinate directly with the candidates' campaigns. As a result, political spending became more centralized in these large, independent groups.
Another important consequence was the emergence of "dark money" in politics. Due to the ruling, certain nonprofit organizations, such as 501(c)(4) groups, are not required to disclose their donors. This has created a lack of transparency, making it difficult for voters to know who is financing political ads and initiatives.
more money = more power
The decision also shifted the power dynamics in U.S. elections, allowing wealthy individuals and corporations to exert greater influence. With no limits on financial contributions, their spending could greatly impact political outcomes, raising concerns about the fairness and integrity of the democratic process.
corporations and political financing
Finally, Citizens United set a legal precedent that influenced subsequent rulings, further expanding the scope of political spending and loosening regulations meant to limit corporate influence in politics. These changes have shaped the current landscape of political financing, with lasting implications for both campaigns and public trust in the electoral system.
The Dark Money Loophole - 501(c)(4)
In the past decade, over $1 billion in "dark money" has flowed into U.S. politics, often funneled through 501(c)(4) nonprofits that can conceal donor identities. Critics argue this creates a shadowy influence on elections, enabled by loopholes in tax law allowing these organizations to engage in political activities without being primarily political. Despite thousands of complaints about potential abuses, the IRS has failed to revoke the tax-exempt status of any such organizations for spending violations since 2015. The IRS’s oversight has weakened due to budget cuts, staffing losses, and a complicated investigation process, which has left it unable to effectively enforce regulations. The agency's previous scandals, particularly accusations of partisan targeting, have also created a chilling effect among IRS staff. As dark money continues to proliferate, experts warn that new loopholes are emerging, further complicating the regulatory landscape.
Here are some of the nonprofit for-prophet organizations that are associated with Project 2025 or Christian Nationalism:
This is not an exhaustive list - groups are added as they come up in research.
Alliance Defending Freedom
What is Alliance Defending Freedom?
According to their website, Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) is the world’s largest legal organization dedicated to defending essential freedoms such as religious liberty, free speech, marriage and family, parental rights, and the sanctity of life. Through its efforts in Congress, state legislatures, and courtrooms across the United States, including the U.S. Supreme Court, ADF works tirelessly to protect these fundamental rights.
Founded by 35 Christian leaders, ADF was established to safeguard religious freedom and ensure that the doors for the Gospel remain open. With a strong belief in the power of collaboration, ADF is not just a single entity but a unified alliance made up of attorneys, church and ministry leaders, non-profit volunteers, legislators, business professionals, and grassroots advocates, all working together to defend freedom. Since its inception, ADF has been highly successful, winning 15 cases in the U.S. Supreme Court since 2011 and maintaining an impressive success rate of nearly 80% in its cases.
Who are important key players in Alliance Defending Freedom?
Key players in Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) include a range of individuals who have played significant roles in both the organization's legal advocacy and its connections to political and judicial circles.
Mike johnson
A former ADF attorney, Mike Johnson was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives on October 25, 2023. His involvement with ADF reflects the organization's strong ties to conservative legal and political leadership.
Amy Coney Barrett
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett has been associated with ADF through her legal work and views on issues like religious freedom and conservative values, making her a key figure connected to the organization's mission.
Mike Pence
The former Vice President of the United States, Mike Pence, has been a prominent ally of ADF, advocating for conservative Christian values and policies that align with ADF's stance on issues such as abortion, same-sex marriage, and religious freedoms.
William Barr
The former U.S. Attorney General under President Donald Trump, William Barr, has been involved with ADF in the broader context of conservative legal advocacy, particularly regarding issues like religious liberty and abortion.
Jeff Sessions
Another former U.S. Attorney General, Jeff Sessions has been linked to ADF through his shared interest in promoting religious freedom and conservative legal perspectives in government and public policy.
Josh Hawley
U.S. Senator Josh Hawley has been a key political figure associated with ADF, advocating for conservative issues related to marriage, family, and religious liberty.
ADF’s influence also extends internationally through its subsidiary, Alliance Defending Freedom International, which operates in over 100 countries. Additionally, its connections to significant figures in the political right, including those associated with the Trump administration, have made it one of the most influential Christian legal advocacy groups in the U.S.
Who funds Alliance Defending Freedom?
The Servant Foundation
Through its financial arm, The Signatry, The Servant Foundation contributed over $50 million to ADF between 2018 and 2020. These funds have supported various initiatives, including the "He Gets Us" campaign during Super Bowl commercial breaks
The Green Family
Known for their involvement with the Hobby Lobby chain, the Green family has been another major donor to ADF.
The Bolthouse Foundation
A foundation contributing to ADF's efforts in promoting conservative Christian values.
The Edgar and Elsa Prince Foundation
This foundation has also provided financial support to ADF.
The Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation
Associated with the DeVos family, this foundation has supported ADF's work.
The Bradley Foundation
A well-known conservative foundation that has contributed to ADF's mission.
The Charles Koch Institute
Linked to the Koch family, known for supporting free-market and conservative causes, this institute has been a donor to ADF.
The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust
Based in the Pacific Northwest, this trust donated nearly $1 million to ADF between 2007 and 2016.
America First Policy Institute
What is America First Policy Institute?
The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) is a nonprofit think tank founded in 2021 to advance Donald Trump’s policy agenda. It is led by President and CEO Brooke Rollins, former acting director of the U.S. Domestic Policy Council under Trump, and Vice Chair Larry Kudlow, Trump’s former National Economic Council director. Linda McMahon, Trump’s former SBA Administrator and chair of the pro-Trump Super PAC America First Action, serves as AFPI’s chairperson. Politico has described this group as a “White House in waiting”, and Trump’s cabinet picks so far have more direct links to the AFPI than any other organization, including the Heritage Foundation.
Who are important key players in the America First Policy Institute that are part of Trump's cabinet during his second term?
Many key players in the America First Policy Institute currently serve in the second Trump administration. They include:
Pam Bondi
U.S. Attorney General
Doug Collins
Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs
Kevin Hassett
Director of the National Economic Council
Linda McMahon
Secretary of the Department of Education
Kash Patel
Director of the FBI
John Ratcliffe
Director of the CIA
Brooke Rollins
Secretary of the Department of Agriculture
Scott Turner
Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development
Matthew Whitaker
Ambassador to NATO
Lee Zeldin
Secretary of the Environmental Protection Agency
What is in the America First Policy Institute Policy Book?
According to New York Times reporter Ken Bensinger, key proposals from the AFPI’s policy book, The America First Agenda, include removing most civil service protections for federal employees, enabling summary dismissals without the right to appeal; increasing domestic oil and gas production by opening additional federal lands for expedited drilling and resuming Keystone pipeline construction; and implementing restrictions on abortion such as mandatory ultrasounds, waiting periods, and eliminating federal funding for organizations like Planned Parenthood. The agenda also opposes red flag gun laws and supports nationwide concealed carry permit reciprocity, allowing permits issued in one state to be valid in all 50. Additional proposals include imposing tariffs on imports, cutting corporate taxes, defending religious liberty, rolling back climate change efforts including withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, opposing transgender rights, adding work requirements to Medicaid, and reducing U.S. involvement in international conflicts. On immigration, it advocates completing the U.S.-Mexico border wall, increasing border enforcement funding, and ending legal immigration programs such as family-based visas and the diversity visa lottery.
Read The America First Transition Project
How is America First Different From Project 2025?
The America First agenda is generally less extreme than Project 2025, which calls for a major restructuring of the executive branch, including eliminating agencies like the Departments of Education and Homeland Security. However, both share similar conservative values, emphasizing support for "nuclear families" and encouraging two-parent households. They also both advocate for Trump to reshape the federal workforce—favoring political appointees over career civil servants. America First specifically supports allowing all government employees to be fired “at-will” and limiting regulation-making to political appointees.
American Pregnancy Association
About
The American Pregnancy Association (APA) is a non-profit organization based in Irving, Texas, focused on promoting anti-abortion views by providing information on pregnancy and reproductive health. Founded in 1995 under the name America's Pregnancy Helpline by Mike and Annie Sheaffer, who wrote a book titled The Ultimate Gift: A True Love Story. The organization initially operated as a helpline aimed at offering support and guidance to pregnant individuals. During its early years, from 1995 to 2003, the helpline served approximately 147,000 women and families, emphasizing alternatives to abortion.
In 2003, the organization transitioned from a helpline to a formal non-profit entity, rebranding itself as the American Pregnancy Association. This change marked a significant expansion in its mission, allowing it to reach a broader audience and enhance its outreach efforts. Under the leadership of Brad Imler, a prominent anti-abortion activist, the organization grew in influence and began to develop a more structured approach to its initiatives.
Leadership Changes
Brad Imler led the APA until 2019, when he departed to establish a Christian adoption agency. Following his departure, Lynn Handley took over the leadership, continuing the organization’s mission to provide resources and support to those facing unplanned pregnancies.
The American Pregnancy Association operates an informative website that offers a range of resources, including articles, FAQs, and guidance on pregnancy, prenatal care, and alternatives to abortion. This online platform serves as a critical tool for disseminating information and reaching individuals who may be seeking support or guidance during their pregnancy journey.
Controversy
The American Pregnancy Association's website has faced criticism for containing what some sources, including *Mother Jones*, have described as "rife with medically inaccurate information," raising concerns about the reliability and safety of the resources it provides to individuals seeking guidance during pregnancy. Journalists and activists have consistently labeled the organization as an anti-abortion group, highlighting its focus on discouraging abortion through the promotion of alternative options and its framing of pregnancy-related information. This characterization underscores the organization’s alignment with specific ideological beliefs that prioritize anti-abortion stances, which critics argue may compromise the objectivity and accuracy of the information presented on its platform, potentially impacting the well-being and decision-making of those seeking assistance.
Christian Coalition of America
About
The Christian Coalition of America (CCA) is a 501(c)(4) organization that serves as the successor to the original Christian Coalition founded in 1987 by religious broadcaster and former presidential candidate Pat Robertson. This advocacy group encompasses a diverse membership from various Christian denominations, including Baptists (50%), mainline Protestants (25%), Roman Catholics (16%), and Pentecostals (10% to 12%), among others. The CCA aims to influence public policy and promote Christian values in American society.
Voter Guides
In 1990, the national Christian Coalition, Inc., based in Chesapeake, Virginia, began producing non-partisan voter guides that were distributed to conservative Christian churches. However, the IRS denied the coalition's tax-exempt status in 1999, citing complaints that the voter guides were too partisan. Later that same year, the coalition successfully defended itself in a five-year lawsuit brought by the Federal Election Commission.
Result
After the lawsuit, the Christian Coalition of America is legally able to distribute VOTER GUIDES. Their website shows this:
Office of Congressman Walter Jones, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Family Research Council
About
The Family Research Council (FRC) is an American evangelical nonprofit organization and think tank established in 1981 by James Dobson. It advocates for what it defines as family values and actively opposes issues such as pornography, embryonic stem-cell research, abortion, divorce, and various LGBT rights, including anti-discrimination laws, same-sex marriage, and adoption by same-sex couples. The FRC has faced significant criticism from media outlets and professional organizations like the American Sociological Association for using what they describe as "anti-gay pseudoscience" to falsely link homosexuality with pedophilia and to claim that children of same-sex parents experience higher rates of mental health issues.
FRC is a member of the advisory board of Project 2025
Tax status
In 2020, the Family Research Council (FRC) requested the IRS to classify it as an "association of churches," a status that was subsequently approved. To obtain this designation, the FRC had to assert that it conducts weddings, baptisms, and funerals. While it remains a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, this new classification allows the FRC to avoid public scrutiny, as it is no longer required to file an annual Form 990 with the IRS. This change has implications for transparency regarding its operations and financial activities.
Family Research Council Building - APK, CC BY 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Bill:
Initially part of Dobson's Focus on the Family, the FRC became an independent entity in 1992. Currently led by Tony Perkins, the organization also has a lobbying arm called FRC Action. The FRC's influence extends beyond the U.S.; in 2010, it was reported to have paid lobbyists concerning anti-LGBT legislation in Uganda, which later led to the controversial Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Bill. In 2010, the Southern Poverty Law Center designated the FRC as an anti-LGBT hate group, citing its reliance on discredited research to undermine LGBT civil rights. This designation was linked to a violent incident in 2012 when a gunman attacked the FRC's headquarters, injuring a security guard.
Josh Duggar
Josh Duggar was involved with the Family Research Council (FRC) through his role as the executive director of FRC Action, the lobbying arm of the organization, from 2013 until 2015. In this capacity, he promoted the FRC's conservative agenda, particularly regarding family values and opposition to LGBT rights. However, Duggar's reputation became marred by legal issues when he was convicted in December 2021 on charges of receiving and possessing child pornography. His conviction drew significant media attention and led to widespread criticism of his past affiliations, including his work with the FRC, highlighting the contrast between his public advocacy and private actions.
Josh Dugger - AP News <https://apnews.com/article/josh-duggar-supreme-court-f6aa13a174998b5f89614468f924925f>
Focus on the Family
About
Focus on the Family (FOTF) is a fundamentalist Protestant organization founded in 1977 by James Dobson in Southern California, now based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It emerged as one of several evangelical parachurch organizations that gained prominence in the 1980s. As of its 2017 tax filing, Focus on the Family declared itself a church, a move aimed at protecting donor confidentiality, despite traditional definitions of churches involving regular worship services and congregants.
What is the Organization Known For?
The organization is known for its strong opposition to LGBT rights, particularly regarding marriage, adoption, and parenting, which it labels as "particularly evil lies of Satan." Focus on the Family also advocates for changes in public policy on various issues, including sex education, creationism, abortion, school prayer, and the enforcement of specific gender roles. Its core activities include a daily radio broadcast hosted by president Jim Daly and vice president John Fuller, along with providing resources, publishing literature, and creating targeted programs like "Adventures in Odyssey" for children.
David Shankbone, CC BY-SA 3.0 <http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/>, via Wikimedia Commons
U.S. Department of State, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Mike Pence
On June 23, 2017, Vice President Mike Pence attended Focus on the Family's 40th anniversary celebration, where he praised founder James Dobson and affirmed President Donald Trump's support for the organization's goals, including the abolition of Planned Parenthood. Pence's presence at the event, coupled with Focus on the Family's positions on LGBT rights, drew criticism from the Human Rights Campaign, highlighting concerns over the administration's alignment with the group's controversial stances.
James Dobson Controversy
U.S. Surgeon General C. Everett Koop, an evangelical Christian, was disappointed by James Dobson's embrace of pseudoscientific and homophobic claims about AIDS, criticizing his approach during the crisis. Koop viewed the AIDS epidemic as a chance for Christian service that Dobson squandered, calling out the actions of Dobson and fellow evangelist D. James Kennedy as "reprehensible" in 1989.
In her book Jesus and John Wayne, Kristin Kobes Du Mez critiques the vision of Christian masculinity promoted by Dobson and others, arguing it promised protection for women while ultimately failing to uphold justice. Former Focus on the Family executive Gil Alexander-Moegerle similarly lambasted Dobson in his book James Dobson's War on America, portraying him as hypocritical and power-hungry. Theologian Donald Eric Capps condemned Dobson's methods of corporal punishment, arguing they exploit children's needs for love and could lead to abuse, asserting that such techniques contradict the principles of nurturing a loving parent-child relationship.
c.berlet/publiceye.orghttp://www.publiceye.org/gallery, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Gays Against Groomers
About
Gays Against Groomers (GAG) is an American far-right and anti-LGBT organization that campaigns against gender-affirming care for minors, protests LGBT-themed school curricula, and criticizes events like Drag Queen Story Hour. The group also opposes trans women in women’s sports, children attending pride events, and brands that promote LGBT representation during Pride Month.
Founded
Founded in June 2022 by Jaimee Michell, GAG started as a Twitter account and has since been incorporated. Michell, who has a background in right-wing communications, has used the account to share anti-trans rhetoric, drawing comparisons to the Libs of TikTok account. GAG has faced bans from multiple social media and payment platforms for hate speech violations and has received coverage from right-wing media outlets such as Fox News and OANN.
Controversy:
Organizations like GLAAD and the ADL have criticized GAG for using the term "groomer" to perpetuate harmful conspiracy theories about the LGBT community. GAG has also helped organize anti-LGBTQ rallies, partnering with other far-right groups such as Moms for Liberty and the Proud Boys, positioning itself within the broader anti-LGBT movement in the U.S. during the 2020s.
Appearance in Conservative Media
In an August 2022 interview with OANN, Gays Against Groomers founder Jaimee Michell drew a controversial comparison between gender-affirming care and the experiments conducted by Nazi doctor Joseph Mengele on Auschwitz prisoners. Alex Bollinger, writing for LGBTQ Nation, criticized this remark, highlighting that the Nazis destroyed Magnus Hirschfeld's Institute of Sexology, which was instrumental in advancing understanding of LGBTQ identities, including transgender issues.
On November 8, following the Colorado Springs nightclub shooting that left five dead, including two trans individuals, Michell attributed the violence to gender-affirming care. During an appearance on Tucker Carlson Tonight, she described the shooting as "expected and predictable" and suggested that violence would continue until what she termed the "evil agenda attacking children" was halted. Brandon Wolf, a survivor of the Orlando nightclub shooting and press secretary for Equality Florida, condemned Michell's comments as a "crystal clear threat," implying that violence would persist until her demands were met.
Government Accountability Institute
About
The Government Accountability Institute (GAI), founded in 2012 by Peter Schweizer and Steve Bannon with funding from Robert Mercer, is a conservative think tank based in Tallahassee, Florida. Its stated mission is to investigate and expose government corruption, misuse of taxpayer funds, and crony capitalism. Although registered as a nonpartisan organization, GAI predominantly focuses on allegations related to the Democratic Party. Peter Schweizer serves as the group's president.
Why was it created?
The Government Accountability Institute was created to funnel partisan opposition research and dirt-digging into mainstream media. Bannon recognized that while reporters were wary of partisan opinions, they were receptive to damaging facts about public figures, regardless of their source. Together with Peter Schweizer, Bannon aimed to produce material that would attract mainstream attention and provoke right-wing outrage, as noted by Jane Mayer in The New Yorker.
Steve Bannon at a Heritage Foundation Bloggers Briefing - October 19, 2010 - Don Irvine, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Activities
The Government Accountability Institute has published several reports and books that have faced debunking, sometimes even before their release. Notable examples include Clinton Cash, a 2015 book making false claims about the Clinton Foundation and the Clintons' financial gains, and a 2012 report alleging that the Obama campaign received illegal contributions, which was disproven by multiple media outlets. Another book, Secret Empires, propagated the false Biden–Ukraine conspiracy theory. Additionally, Bush Bucks, an e-book about Jeb Bush’s post-governorship earnings, raises questions about potential conflicts of interest but has also faced scrutiny for its claims.
Links to Breitbart News
A November 2016 investigation by The Washington Post revealed connections between the Government Accountability Institute (GAI) and the conservative site Breitbart News. Three GAI employees, including co-founder Steve Bannon, were simultaneously compensated by both organizations, raising concerns about the legality of GAI's political advocacy as a 501(c)(3) charity. Bannon received $376,000 for part-time work while serving as executive chairman of Breitbart, while GAI communications strategist Wynton Hall earned $600,000 and became managing editor at Breitbart. GAI president Peter Schweizer was paid $778,000 during this period and also contributed to Breitbart. Additionally, GAI spent over $200,000 on advertising with Breitbart from 2013 to 2015.
Hillsdale College
About
Hillsdale College is a small, Christian, classical liberal arts college in southern Michigan that operates independently of government funding. Our students come from nearly all of the United States and a dozen foreign countries, and drawn to the challenge of a Hillsdale education, they grow in heart and mind by studying timeless truths in a supportive community dedicated to the highest things.
Radio Free Hillsdale and Hillsdale Podcasts
In this video, Richard Lowery of Hillsdale College spouts off suggestions that are also in Project 2025 (About 24:30) when describing Policy Ideas to Fix Americans Universities
- Complete and total legislative removal of all DEI, CRT, and queer theory from all positions of administrative power in universities. Three things we need to do:
- An ideological purge is necessary because those ideas are fundamentally incompatible with the idea of free inquiry or the functioning of a university. We have to stop trying to be nice to people and get it done. And that means remove the ideas and remove the people.
- We have to remove anything with these ideas from the required curriculum for graduation at at least a public university.
We have to create independent institutions not just outside but within the universities. We can rebuild history outside of the universities, there are donors who will do that. We need these institutions to help students satisfy graduation requirements without having to go to the “insane people”
Michael Anton
Michael Anton is Lecturer in Politics and Research Fellow at Hillsdale College's Kirby Center in Washington, DC. He previously served in national security positions in the Trump and Bush (43) administrations, as well as in the administrations of California Governor Pete Wilson and New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani. He has extensive experience in the private sector and was educated at the Claremont Graduate University, St. John's College, and the University of California. He is also the author of the newly released book, The Stakes: America at the Point of No Return.
Anton was on a podcast called The American Mind with none other than Curtis Yarvin (Mencius Moldbug) of who many tech billionaires subscribe to his ideology - and is shown in the Claremont Institute’s Youtube Channel.
Michael Anton appeared on Fox News (with Tucker Carlson), where they mentioned his book titled “The Stakes” before discussing the “voter fraud” that inspired the January 6 Insurrection
Michael Anton wrote a book, The Stakes: America at the Point of No Return
“The Flight 93 Election”, Michael Anton’s 2016 essay reaching out to Republicans against Hilary Clinton, is hosted on the Claremont’s website
Michael Anton - Elekes Andor, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Patriot Front
About
Patriot Front is a white nationalist extremist group in the United States, known for its promotion of a white supremacist ideology. It was formed in 2017 after the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, as a successor to a previous organization, Vanguard America. The group advocates for a return to a “white America” and uses propaganda, public demonstrations, and vandalism to promote its message.
Characterizations
Patriot Front is characterized by its secretive nature and its focus on grassroots activism, often engaging in coordinated efforts to distribute flyers and stickers in various communities. The group has been involved in several high-profile incidents and has attracted significant scrutiny from law enforcement and civil rights organizations, including the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Anti-Defamation League.
Christopher Cantwell at Unite the Right - pepper sprayed - Shawn Breen, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Manifesto
The group published a manifesto which contained passages including: "Those of foreign birth may occupy civil status within the lands occupied by the state, and they may even be dutiful citizens, yet they may not be American. Membership within the American nation is inherited through blood, not ink. Even those born in America may yet be foreign...Nationhood cannot be bestowed upon those who are not of the founding stock of our people, and those who do not share the common spirit that permeates our greater civilization, and the European diaspora...In order to survive as a culture, a heritage, and a way of being, our nation must learn that its collective interests are fighting against its collective threats of replacement and enslavement...The damage done to this nation and its people will not be fixed if every issue requires the approval and blessing from the dysfunctional American democratic system. Democracy has failed in this once great nation."
The Proud Boys
About
The Proud Boys is a North American far-right, neo-fascist militant organization that engages in political violence. Its leaders have faced convictions for violently opposing the U.S. federal government, particularly during events like the January 6 Capitol attack. The group is known for its opposition to left-wing and progressive movements and is openly supportive of former President Donald Trump. Although Proud Boys leadership denies being a white supremacist organization, the group has connections to white supremacist ideologies and events.
Founding
Founded in 2016 by Gavin McInnes, a co-founder of Vice Media, the Proud Boys emerged from the far-right Taki's Magazine and derived their name from a song called “Proud of your Boy” from Disney's Aladdin. While initially part of the alt-right movement, McInnes later distanced the Proud Boys from that label, positioning them as "alt-lite." Trump's remark during a 2020 presidential debate—"Proud Boys, stand back and stand by"—boosted the group's visibility and recruitment, although he later condemned them.
Proud Boys in Raleigh NC - Anthony Crider, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Ideology
The group promotes a belief that traditional masculinity and Western culture are under attack, often using "Western chauvinism" as a euphemism for conspiracy theories about white genocide. Members have participated in racist events and actions against leftist and socialist groups. The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) describes the group as an "alt-right fight club" and a hate group, while the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) labels them as "extremist conservative" and "alt-lite," highlighting their Islamophobia, misogyny, and willingness to embrace various forms of bigotry.
Gavin McInnes on Steven Crowder -
StevenCrowder, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Connections with Roger Stone
Republican Dorchester Conference
In early 2018, Roger Stone sought the Proud Boys' assistance as security for his appearance at the Republican Dorchester Conference in Salem, Oregon, where he was photographed socializing with them. The Proud Boys later shared a video on Facebook that they described as Stone undergoing a "low-level initiation," where he declared himself a "Western chauvinist" and became a "first-degree" member, a title characterized by some as that of a sympathizer. Stone has denied being an actual member of the group.
Mueller Investigation
After Stone's arrest by the FBI in January 2019 in connection with the Mueller investigation, Enrique Tarrio, the Proud Boys' chairman, met him outside the courthouse wearing a "Roger Stone Did Nothing Wrong" shirt. Tarrio dismissed the charges against Stone as "trumped-up" and was later seen visiting him at home. A small group demonstrated in D.C. during Stone's arraignment, carrying signs supporting him and promoting the InfoWars conspiracy site.
Gavin McInnes - The Proud Boys Founder
Gavin McInnes stated that Stone was one of three approved media figures permitted to discuss the group. When asked about his alleged initiation, Stone dismissed the question and insulted the reporter. He has maintained a close relationship with Tarrio, who has monetized his position in the group.
Roger Stone & January 6
In February 2021, reports emerged that the FBI was investigating Stone’s potential influence on the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers regarding their roles in the Capitol attack. The United States House Select Committee on the January 6 Attack also uncovered connections between Stone and the Proud Boys.
Turning Point USA
About
Turning Point USA (TPUSA) is an American nonprofit organization founded in 2012 by Charlie Kirk and Bill Montgomery, focused on promoting conservative politics at high schools, colleges, and universities. It has become the fastest-growing organization for campus chapters in the U.S. and is recognized as a leading force in campus conservatism.
Professor Watchlist
In 2016, TPUSA launched the Professor Watchlist, a website that lists academic staff accused of discriminating against conservative students and promoting leftist views. The organization also seeks to influence student government elections to counter liberalism on campuses. In 2021, it introduced the School Board Watchlist, highlighting school board members who have implemented mask mandates or anti-racist curricula.
Conferences
TPUSA organizes several annual conferences, including the Student Action Summit, Young Women's Leadership Summit, Young Black Leadership Summit, and AmericaFest. The organization is supported by conservative donors and foundations, as well as Republican politicians.
David Shankbone, CC BY-SA 3.0 <http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/>, via Wikimedia Commons
Charlie Kirk
In a 2015 speech at the Liberty Forum of Silicon Valley, Charlie Kirk revealed that he had applied to the United States Military Academy at West Point but was not accepted. He claimed that the slot he believed he deserved went to "a far less-qualified candidate of a different gender and a different persuasion," a statement he later characterized as sarcasm in a 2017 interview with The New Yorker. However, at a TPUSA event in New Hampshire in 2019, he denied ever making that claim. Kirk's remarks have drawn scrutiny and sparked debate about his views on qualifications and diversity in military admissions.
Kirk has played a significant role in Republican politics, notably addressing the 2016 Republican National Convention. Although he expressed ambivalence about Donald Trump during the campaign, he ultimately supported him and assisted with logistics for Donald Trump Jr. Additionally, former TPUSA employees have alleged collusion between Kirk, high-ranking TPUSA staff, and the presidential campaigns of Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio, including efforts to mobilize student volunteers for these campaigns. Kirk later became CEO of Students for Trump and was a keynote speaker at the 2020 Republican National Convention, where he praised Trump as the "bodyguard of western civilization."
As of 2025, Charlie Kirk was assassinated while in Utah. This is a developing story and will have its own page/post.