Taxpayers are unwittingly funding professional associations that promote puberty blockers for children, anti-Israel sentiments, and radical DEI ideologies—all against standing executive orders meant to prevent such misuse of public funds.
Key Takeaways
- Professional associations have received millions in taxpayer funding since 2020 while promoting controversial social ideologies, with SHAPE America receiving $2.5 million while advocating teaching young children about gender identity and hormone blockers.
- The North American Association for Environmental Education has received over $15 million in federal funding while pushing programs focused on racial and gender identity rather than traditional environmental education.
- Several taxpayer-funded professional organizations have been accused of anti-Semitism and taking anti-Israel positions, with some reportedly praising Hamas.
- Watchdog group Open the Books is urging President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to scrutinize these associations’ funding and activities.
- Legal challenges are mounting against organizations that potentially violate tax-exempt status requirements by supporting radical agendas contrary to public policy.
Millions in Taxpayer Dollars Funding Radical Agendas
A troubling investigation by watchdog organization Open the Books has revealed that several professional associations receiving substantial taxpayer funding are actively promoting controversial social ideologies in direct contradiction to executive orders designed to prevent such activities. The Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE America), which has received over $2.5 million in federal funding since 2020, has been caught advocating for teaching young children about gender identity and promoting hormone blockers for transgender youth. This organization helped draft the National Sex Education Standards that include teaching children as young as eight about gender identity and hormone-blocking treatments.
Even more concerning is the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE), which has received a staggering $15 million in federal funding since 2020. Rather than focusing on traditional environmental education, the organization has shifted its programs toward racial and gender identity politics. When confronted about these activities, an NAAEE spokeswoman deflected, stating, “We are not doing interviews, but focusing on our members who are finding the best ways to use education to create a healthier and sustainable future.” This vague response fails to address how racial and gender ideology training aligns with the organization’s stated environmental mission or justifies its massive taxpayer funding.
Anti-Israel Positions and DEI Initiatives
The investigation also uncovered disturbing evidence that some of these taxpayer-funded associations have taken anti-Israel positions and expressed support for Hamas. The American Psychological Association and other professional societies have been accused of anti-Semitism while receiving significant federal funding. Meanwhile, the National Council for History Education (NCHE), which has received over $3.8 million in federal funding, has hosted events advocating for the removal of historical monuments and opposing Trump administration policies. During one such event, a speaker declared their radical agenda in unambiguous terms.
“We’re not just talking about Confederate soldiers and monuments to them, we’re talking about all of these figures, all of these memorials that commemorate—that celebrate rather—white supremacy,” said Hasan Jeffries.
These revelations come as legal challenges mount against organizations using tax-exempt status to push radical agendas. The Zachor Legal Institute has urged the IRS to review the tax-exempt status of the WESPAC Foundation, alleging its fiscal sponsorship of Within Our Lifetime (WOL) violates federal law. WOL is accused of advocating for the destruction of the U.S. and Israel and promoting armed resistance—activities that clearly contradict the requirements for maintaining tax-exempt status. The Anti-Defamation League has described WOL as supporting violence against Israel and engaging in antisemitic rhetoric.
Call for Greater Accountability and Oversight
Open the Books CEO John Hart has called on President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to take immediate action by investigating these professional associations and their misuse of taxpayer dollars. The watchdog organization emphasizes that while freedom of assembly is constitutionally protected, public subsidies for organizations promoting radical ideologies are not guaranteed. Hart’s statement cuts straight to the heart of the problem faced by American taxpayers who are unknowingly funding these controversial activities.
“DOGE should continue its important work by highlighting for the public and policymakers ‘professional associations’ using this strategy,” said OTB CEO John Hart.
Critics argue these groups are deliberately operating under vague contract descriptions to continue acquiring government funds while pushing radical agendas. The investigation raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of existing federal enforcement mechanisms and regulatory compliance. With President Trump’s renewed focus on government efficiency and eliminating wasteful spending, these professional associations may soon face unprecedented scrutiny of their activities and funding sources. American taxpayers deserve to know that their hard-earned money isn’t being diverted to fund organizations that undermine traditional values and promote divisive ideologies contrary to the public interest.
