U.S. President Donald Trump gestures before he boards Marine One, to travel to Trump International Golf Links Aberdeen, in Lossiemouth, Scotland, Britain, July 28, 2025. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
President Donald Trump's latest "assault" on law firms, judges, media groups, universities and labor unions is more than just a penchant for retribution, a former Biden administration official warned Monday in a New York Times column — it's about a "bigger, more fundamental goal."
Vanita Gupta, the U.S. associate attorney general in the Biden administration, warned that nonprofit groups are up next for Trump and his "norm-shattering zeal for retribution and punishment." Gupta pointed to a Jan. 21 executive order that directed federal agencies to send the White House possible targets for investigation. That included large nonprofits, associations and foundations with at least $500 million in assets. Congressional lawmakers then launched a probe into more than 200 nonprofits with no basis or any evidence of wrongdoing, noted Gupta.
"All of this suggests a bigger, more fundamental goal: to shut down debate, cut off services to disfavored communities and dismantle civil society. These actions are unconstitutional, un-American and harm us all," warned Gupta.
It also comes at a time when the country needs "civil society" to fill the gaps created by the Trump administration, such as providing humanitarian aid, fighting climate change and protecting public health. It's also needed to fight official "abuses of power," said Gupta.
"That of course is exactly why they make such a fine target for the president," she warned. "Civil society groups ensure that our government, no matter who is in power, is accountable to the law and to our Constitution. I know this from having sued Democratic and Republican administrations as a lawyer working at nonprofit organizations, as well as from having defended the government as a Justice Department official."
At risk, she added,are the "very foundations of our country." That includes the ability of citizens to hold the government accountable and freely dissent and debate.
Gupta then delivered an ominous warning.
"This matters because, as with all moves out of the authoritarian playbook, even if you’re not the target this time, you could be next," she said.