Trump Calls Investigation of NRA Finances Illegal

The National Rifle Association is "under siege," President Trump said Monday in response to New York state's decision to investigate the organization's status as a tax-exempt nonprofit, the AP reports. The Republican president accused state Attorney General Letitia James and her fellow Democrat, Gov. Andrew Cuomo, of breaking the law—though he did not specify which law—with the investigation into the gun rights organization. "The NRA is under siege by Cuomo and the New York State A.G., who are illegally using the State's legal apparatus to take down and destroy this very important organization, & others," Trump tweeted.

In a statement responding to Trump's tweet, James' office said she is focused "on enforcing the rule of law," adding, "In any case we pursue, we will follow the facts wherever they may lead." James' office has offered few details about the probe, saying only that an investigation into the NRA had been launched and that subpoenas had been issued. But last year, she had vowed to investigate whether the organization deserves its tax-exempt nonprofit status. An NRA lawyer said Saturday that it would cooperate "with any inquiry into its finances." The attorney general has oversight over nonprofit groups registered with the state and may seek to fine those who defraud donors, misuse charitable funds or violate the rules governing political activities by nonprofits. The NRA is based in Virginia but has an office in New York. (There's trouble at the top of the NRA.)