Thread by @kenvogel, SCOOP: At least two conservative groups backing TRUMP's re-opening push

SCOOP: At least two conservative groups backing TRUMP& #39;s re-opening push — @FreedomWorks & @LibertyCounsel — have applied for @SBAgov loans.

FreedomWorks application is notable, since:
1) it opposed past bailouts.
2) it& #39;s organizing coronavirus protests. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/24/us/politics/coronavirus-bailouts-conservative-liberal.html">https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/2...

Opposed to Bailouts, but in This Case Willing to Take One

Some conservative nonprofit groups are seeking financial help to weather the coronavirus crisis. Some liberal organizations are putting aside different qualms to make the same request.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/24/us/politics/coronavirus-bailouts-conservative-liberal.html

The PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM expressly allows for applications from nonprofit groups registered under section 501(c)(3) of the tax code, which includes churches & other religious institutions, but also public policy groups like @FreedomWorks Foundation. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/24/us/politics/coronavirus-bailouts-conservative-liberal.html">https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/2...

Opposed to Bailouts, but in This Case Willing to Take One

Some conservative nonprofit groups are seeking financial help to weather the coronavirus crisis. Some liberal organizations are putting aside different qualms to make the same request.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/24/us/politics/coronavirus-bailouts-conservative-liberal.html

. @FreedomWorks& #39; SBA loan application is through its 501(c)(3) foundation arm, not its 501(c)(4) arm, which is organizing coronavirus protests, though the arms are intertwined.

Liberal 501(c)(3) orgs, like @MMFA & @webuildprogress also applied for loans. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/24/us/politics/coronavirus-bailouts-conservative-liberal.html">https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/2...

Opposed to Bailouts, but in This Case Willing to Take One

Some conservative nonprofit groups are seeking financial help to weather the coronavirus crisis. Some liberal organizations are putting aside different qualms to make the same request.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/24/us/politics/coronavirus-bailouts-conservative-liberal.html

. @FreedomWorks opposed the 2008 bailout.

But it applied for an @SBAgov coronavirus stimulus loan, partly because, thru no fault of its own, it was barred from having its annual fundraiser.

“I would love someone to give us free cash,” said its president. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/24/us/politics/coronavirus-bailouts-conservative-liberal.html">https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/2...

Opposed to Bailouts, but in This Case Willing to Take One

Some conservative nonprofit groups are seeking financial help to weather the coronavirus crisis. Some liberal organizations are putting aside different qualms to make the same request.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/24/us/politics/coronavirus-bailouts-conservative-liberal.html

Some small government conservative groups (like the @CatoInstitute) decided not to apply for @SBAgov loans, because:
1) others needed it more than them.
2) they were concerned it would undermine their moral standing to oppose big government spending. https://www.wsj.com/articles/why-we-say-no-thanks-to-a-cares-act-loan-11586988384">https://www.wsj.com/articles/...

Opinion | Why We Say ‘No Thanks’ to a Cares Act Loan

Taking government money would undermine the principles that underlie Cato’s mission.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/why-we-say-no-thanks-to-a-cares-act-loan-11586988384

For liberal groups, there are different concerns about seeking @SBAgov loans, including:
1) it could be used to undermine their criticism of TRUMP& #39;s coronavirus response.
2) the administration might retaliate against critical orgs by not forgiving loans. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/21/us/politics/coronavirus-protests-trump.html">https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/2...

The Quiet Hand of Conservative Groups in the Anti-Lockdown Protests

Groups in a loose coalition have tapped their networks to drive up turnout at recent rallies in state capitals and financed lawsuits, polling and research to combat the stay-at-home orders.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/21/us/politics/coronavirus-protests-trump.html

Most of the politically oriented public policy orgs whose @SBAgov loan applications we revealed ( @FreedomWorks, @LibertyCounsel, @mmfa & @WeBuildProgress) have yet to receive loans.

(A state branch of the @ACLU got $154k).

So, if you know of other 501c3s seeking loans, DM me…

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