In a bombshell decision, the IRS has unleashed the political power of churches by allowing religious leaders to endorse political candidates without risking their tax-exempt status.
See the tweet below!
This shift could redefine the boundaries of church and state, leaving many questioning the future implications for American politics.
The IRS announced this policy change amidst a settlement with the National Religious Broadcasters association and two Texas churches.
These religious entities challenged the Johnson Amendment, which historically restricted non-profits from political participation.
The lawsuit argued that this amendment infringed on First Amendment rights.
The IRS, through a proposed consent judgment, suggested that political discussions during religious services do not violate the Johnson Amendment.
This judgment allows for endorsements but does not permit churches to spend on political activities, such as advertising.
The Johnson Amendment, enacted in 1954, prohibits tax-exempt organizations from engaging in political campaigns.
Despite its clear directive, the IRS has historically not enforced this amendment strictly against religious entities.
With this change, evangelical groups see it as a significant victory aligning with President Trump’s previous promise to dismantle barriers preventing religious figures from freely engaging in political discussions.
Critics argue, however, that any revisions to the Johnson Amendment should come through congressional action, not the IRS or court interventions.
Jeff Clements, a lawyer and CEO of American Promise, voiced this concern, stating, “Whether tax-exempt nonprofits should endorse political candidates is a question for Congress — not the IRS or the courts.”
Critics fear this decision could lead to abuse, where political operatives funnel money through churches while enjoying significant tax breaks not available to other political avenues.
“The decree could open the floodgates for political operatives to funnel money to their preferred candidates while receiving generous tax breaks at the expense of taxpayers who may not share those views,” said Diane Yentel, the president and CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits, cited by Politico.
The IRS’s new stance is that endorsements during good-faith religious discussions are merely “family conversations” and do not cross into campaign interference.
An IRS statement highlighted, “Communications from a house of worship to its congregation in connection with religious services through its usual channels of communication on matters of faith do not run afoul of the Johnson Amendment as properly interpreted.”
As this policy change takes effect, transparency and monitoring will be critical.
Though the court has not yet ruled on a consent judgment, religious organizations now have a green light to discuss political endorsements.
Yet, the nation remains divided on whether the IRS’s decision will infuse more faith-filled guidance into politics or, conversely, open doors to unchecked political exploitation.
This monumental shift echoes President Trump’s call to “get rid of and totally destroy the Johnson Amendment” allowing faith leaders to exercise free speech without fear.
The IRS said that churches "can endorse political candidates to their congregations, carving out an exemption in a decades-old ban on political activity by tax-exempt nonprofits"https://t.co/7lN9o2H0CF
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) July 8, 2025
