Lawmakers call for IRS scrutiny of Trump-backed nonprofit that aids Jan. 6 rioters

Former President Donald Trump reacts to supporters during a commit to caucus rally, Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, in Waterloo, Iowa.

Charlie Neibergall / Charlie Neibergall

Congressional Democrats are raising alarms about a nonprofit group that provides financial support for defendants charged in the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, questioning whether the organization’s apparent support for Donald Trump’s presidential campaign may violate federal tax law.

The group, known as the Patriot Freedom Project, launched in response to the arrest of a Jan. 6 rioter known for promoting extreme racist, antisemitic and pro-Nazi views. The group’s leaders describe Jan. 6 defendants as “political prisoners” and have developed a close relationship with Trump and the Trump 2024 presidential campaign. The former president has embraced defendants charged in the attack on the U.S. Capitol, calling them “hostages,” and promising to issue pardons to defendants if he wins the 2024 presidential election.

That close relationship has now drawn scrutiny from members of Congress.