FBI, IRS to probe nonprofit groups for domestic terrorism links, sources say

CBS News
March 18, 2026
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3 min read

Quick Insights

The Bottom Line

Attorney General Bondi ordered FBI and IRS to investigate nonprofit groups for domestic terrorism links, expanding scrutiny of activist organizations.

How This Affects You

Nonprofit organizations and donors supporting certain protest movements may face financial and legal scrutiny, potentially chilling lawful activism.

AI Summary

Attorney General Pam Bondi has ordered the FBI and IRS to investigate nonprofit groups for potential domestic terrorism connections, according to sources familiar with the directive. The order, issued in December, directs law enforcement to prioritize probing and prosecuting groups and individuals associated with the antifa movement or deemed "extremist." The investigation marks an expansion of the Trump administration's focus on left-wing activism, shifting resources toward examining organizational funding and structure through tax and financial authorities. Nonprofits have historically received scrutiny from the IRS, but deploying both agencies specifically for terrorism-related investigation of activist groups represents a significant enforcement escalation. The move signals the administration's intent to treat certain protest movements as national security threats.

What's Being Done

Attorney General Pam Bondi has issued an order directing the FBI and IRS to prioritize probing and prosecuting groups associated with antifa or deemed extremist.

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