Trump is freezing the funding of environmental groups-and threatening them with criminal prosecution

Grassroots environmental organizations have recently regained access to promised funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, but they now face a looming threat of federal prosecution as the Trump administration intensifies criticism of their initiatives aimed at benefiting disadvantaged communities and combatting climate change. Leaders, such as Ashley Shelton, warn that audits are imminent, as federal agents begin investigating funding recipients, following actions from EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, who described the funding as wasteful spending and has suspended the program amidst allegations of fraud.

"It's not a matter of if you will be audited, it's a matter of when," said Ashley Shelton, executive director of the Louisiana-based nonprofit The Power Coalition for Equity and Justice.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced he had cancelled the program. The groups are suing to regain access to the $20 billion in greenhouse gas reduction funding.

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