The state of New York is already seeing progress from its first black female attorney general, Letitia James, who has been hard at work investigating fraud and corruption. After an investigation into the Trump Foundation, James found that the “charity” organization was nothing more than a “checkbook” for the Trump family. She shut it down, oversaw the allocation of its remaining funds to legitimate charities, and insured that the Trump family will not be defrauding any more donors for at least 10 years.
As entertaining as the cat fight between North and LaPierre is, there is more going on. The NRA's tax status is being investigated. Their ad firm is reluctant to turn over financial records. And Col. North works for the ad firm. https://t.co/kEoFt5liaM
— Lisa Deeley Smith (@LisaDeeleySmith) April 28, 2019
Now, James is taking on another controversial organization: the NRA. The New York Attorney General announced on Sunday that she would be investigating their tax-exempt status amidst an upheaval in NRA leadership and allegations of corrupt financial practices.
The Associated Press writes that:
‘The Office of New York State Attorney General Letitia James has launched an investigation related to the National Rifle Association (NRA). As part of this investigation, the Attorney General has issued subpoenas.’
BREAKING: @NRA Board member reads a letter from Oliver North saying he has been forced out of the organization due to his allegations that NRA leaders engaged in financial improprieties. North’s term ends Monday. #NRAAM
— Shannon Watts (@shannonrwatts) April 27, 2019
It should come as no surprise that the NRA operates more as a lobbyist organization than any type of member-funded charity operation. The group has a long history of funding politicians in order to block legislation to implement common sense gun law reform. However, their status as a “charity” has never been properly investigated. James intends to change that fact.
‘I will use the constitutional power as an attorney general to regulate charities, that includes the NRA, to investigate their legitimacy.’
Dear @NRA membership, the NRA leadership has not been acting in your best interest. That is clear. I will fight for your 2A rights to be a legal lawful gun owner and at the same time ensure your safety by fighting for common sense reforms. Would love your support @4GunSafety.
— Fred Guttenberg (@fred_guttenberg) April 28, 2019
The investigation’s announcement came one day after the annual NRA Leadership Conference in which the organization’s president, Oliver North, announced his departure after he accused the organization of financial fraud.
‘News of the investigation came as a struggle for leadership of the NRA erupted at the gun lobby’s annual convention in Indianapolis…Iran-Contra figure Oliver North announced Saturday that he would not serve a second term as the NRA’s president. The move followed North’s failed attempt to remove longtime NRA CEO Wayne LaPierre.’
NRA's Finances and Charitable Foundation's Tax Exempt Status Under Investigation By New York Attorney General https://t.co/DsINJ0i307 #politics #feedly
— Margie (@paeznyc) April 28, 2019
Featured image screenshot via YouTube
