The White House has stated it has no immediate plans to revoke the tax-exempt status of climate-focused non-profit organisations, amid growing anxiety in the sector over potential executive action.
A White House official confirmed: “No such orders are being drafted or considered at this time,” addressing speculation that the Trump administration might move to alter the tax status of 501(c)(3) groups—named after the section of the US tax code that exempts charitable organisations from federal income tax.
The clarification came as thousands of representatives from non-profits and advocacy groups joined a Zoom call last week—hosted by the American Civil Liberties Union and Public Citizen—to discuss how to prepare for possible government action. Over 5,000 participants attended the call, which took place just days before Earth Day.
In parallel, political law firm Sandler Reiff circulated a memo to clients advising calm, while acknowledging the increasing political scrutiny faced by charitable organisations focused on climate action and policy advocacy.
Concerns intensified following remarks from President Donald Trump, who criticised Harvard University’s charitable status—seen by many as a potential precursor to broader action against climate or progressive non-profits.
On Earth Day, the White House released a statement highlighting the administration’s environmental initiatives, including support for carbon capture and storage, nuclear and geothermal energy, and responsible forest management. The administration also defended recent policies promoting domestic energy production—such as opening more federal land for fossil fuel and mineral development—as examples of “responsible stewardship” and efforts to reduce dependence on “China’s high-pollution industries.”
The statement further positioned Trump’s trade tariffs on China as an environmental measure, arguing they promote cleaner U.S. production.
Despite these declarations, unease remains within the non-profit sector, with many groups preparing for possible regulatory or political shifts that could affect their operations or funding.
