In a move that exemplifies the contradictions within Democratic Party leadership, 52 House Democrats recently voted to support legislation that would have granted sweeping powers to the incoming Trump administration over nonprofit organizations across America.

The Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act, which narrowly failed to reach the required two-thirds majority, would have allowed the Treasury Secretary to unilaterally designate any charity as a “terrorist-supporting organization” without providing evidence or explanation. This comes mere months before Donald Trump, whom Democrats have repeatedly warned would become a dictator, takes office in January 2025.

The irony is striking. While Democratic leaders have spent years sounding alarms about Trump’s authoritarian tendencies, a significant portion of their caucus just tried to hand him a powerful weapon against civil society. The bill, largely aimed at suppressing criticism of Israel and support for Palestinians, would have created a mechanism for political retribution that extends far beyond its stated purpose.

Here in Rhode Island, our two representatives voted “no” on the legislation. But the implications, had it passed, would have been chilling. Organizations like the Rhode Island ACLU, which regularly challenges government overreach, or The Womxn Project, which advocates for reproductive rights, could have found themselves in the crosshairs of a vindictive Trump administration. Their tax-exempt status could have been stripped away without due process, effectively crippling their ability to operate.

The knife cuts both ways, however. Conservative organizations like the Rhode Island Center for Freedom & Prosperity could just as easily be targeted by future Democratic administrations using the same powers. The bill would have created a dangerous precedent that transcends partisan lines.

This pattern of Democratic double-speak isn’t new. Throughout the Trump presidency, Democrats decried his expansion of executive power while simultaneously voting to increase surveillance authorities, military budgets, and police funding. When Biden took office, many Trump-era policies remained intact, from immigration enforcement to military operations.

The Republican support for the bill, with nearly all House GOP members voting in favor, reveals their own hypocrisy regarding freedom of speech and association. While they rail against “cancel culture” and defend corporate speech rights, they eagerly embrace government power to silence political opponents.

Under the proposed law, nonprofits would have had just 90 days to appeal their designation as “terrorist-supporting” organizations. No evidence would need to be presented, and the Treasury Secretary’s decision would be virtually unchallengeable. Banks would likely cease doing business with targeted organizations, and donors would flee, fearing association with designated “terrorist supporters.”

This episode serves as a stark reminder that the protection of civil liberties rarely aligns with partisan interests. When Democrats warn about Trump’s dictatorial ambitions while simultaneously trying to expand executive power, they reveal either stunning shortsightedness or cynical political calculation.

As Trump prepares to return to the White House, the question remains: How many more tools of oppression will Congress attempt to place in his hands, and how many Democrats will continue to enable the very authoritarianism they claim to oppose?

For Rhode Islanders watching this unfold, the message is clear: Neither party can be trusted to safeguard our fundamental freedoms. The preservation of civil liberties requires constant vigilance against overreach from all quarters, regardless of which party proposes it or which administration might wield the power.