Human Rights Watch, along with more than 3,700 nonprofit and nonpartisan organizations across the United States, signed an open letter condemning the Trump administration’s recent attacks on civil society. The signatories—representing groups that protect the environment, voting rights, labor rights, human rights, and public welfare—united in response to a September 25 presidential memorandum that targeted nonprofits for their advocacy work. The letter reaffirms their shared commitment to democracy and constitutional freedoms.
The coalition emphasized that while they reject all forms of political violence, no president—regardless of political affiliation—has the authority to punish nonprofit organizations for expressing dissenting opinions. Such actions, they argued, violate the First Amendment’s protections of free speech and association, and represent an abuse of executive power aimed at silencing opposition rather than protecting the public interest.
The letter highlighted the essential role of charitable organizations in American communities, from providing healthcare, housing, education, and food assistance to advancing justice, equality, and accountability. The groups warned that the administration’s attacks form part of a broader pattern of targeting organizations and individuals—such as churches, refugee aid groups, and universities—that challenge government misconduct or advocate for marginalized communities.
Signatories described the administration’s actions as a threat to democracy and civil society, noting that efforts to defund, discredit, or dismantle nonprofit organizations undermine the nation’s moral and democratic foundations. They called on Americans to resist intimidation and reaffirmed their commitment to speaking out against abuses of power, standing together in defense of the freedoms that define the country.
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