"Environmental groups say they are preparing for the worst—and preparing to fight back."

"Environmental groups across the country are battening down the hatches in preparation for new executive orders from President Donald Trump.

Sources in Washington, including within the Department of Justice and on Capitol Hill, have told Inside Climate News that White House officials are preparing executive orders on environmental issues. One order, they say, would target the tax exempt status of environmental nonprofits, particularly those that do legal work.

President Trump himself tipped his hand at this possibility in Oval Office comments made Thursday, after he was questioned about his administration’s plans to rescind the tax-exempt status of Harvard University.

“Tax exempt status, it’s a privilege,” Trump said. “And it’s been abused. By a lot more than Harvard, too.” After Trump added that the administration would soon be making statements that are “a big deal,” he was asked if environmental groups were among the nonprofits that are being scrutinized. “Could be,” he replied."

Marianne Lavelle and Lee Hedgepeth reports for Inside Climate News April 18, 2025. [2]