White House Memorandum Cites “Illegal Lobbying and Partisan Political Activity” by Grantees
In a directive issued today, President Donald J. Trump ordered the Attorney General to launch an investigation into the potential misuse of federal grant funds for illegal lobbying and partisan political activities.
The memorandum, titled “MEMORANDUM FOR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL: SUBJECT: Use of Appropriated Funds for Illegal Lobbying and Partisan Political Activity by Federal Grantees,” states that federal funding reviews have “revealed that taxpayer funds are being spent on grants with highly political overtones.”
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The President’s directive highlights what he calls a “wasteful, abusive, and potentially fraudulent use of the American people’s money,” raising “serious legal concerns.” The memorandum notes that federal law, including 31 U.S.C. 1352, places strict limitations on how grant funds can be used, and in many cases, prohibits their use for lobbying or supporting political candidates and parties.
“Consistent with my duty to take care that the laws are faithfully executed,” the memorandum reads, “I hereby direct the Attorney General, in consultation with the heads of executive departments and agencies, to investigate whether Federal grant funds are being used to illegally support lobbying activities… and to take appropriate enforcement action.”
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The Attorney General has been given 180 days to report back to the President on the progress of the investigation.
The memorandum also includes general provisions clarifying that the directive does not alter the authority of any executive department or agency and must be implemented consistent with applicable law and the availability of appropriations. It also explicitly states that it does not create any new rights or benefits enforceable by any party.
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