Key facts
- The Capital Research Center (CRC) is a conservative watchdog group specializing in researching nonprofits.
- CRC's research has been cited in congressional documents and a Justice Department letter related to George Soros.
- CRC President Scott Walter stated the group functions as an 'intel operation' for the conservative movement.
- Walter has briefed Trump administration officials and met with senior White House and federal agency officials.
- Republican committees have used CRC's research in probes of organizations like ActBlue.
- Open Society Foundations called CRC's reports false and politically motivated attacks.
A report indicates that the Capital Research Center (CRC), a conservative watchdog organization, is playing a significant role in fueling renewed Republican attacks on nonprofit groups. The CRC, which focuses on studying nonprofits suspected of ties to Democratic donors and advocacy networks, has produced dossiers that are increasingly cited in congressional documents and by government agencies.
CRC President Scott Walter described the organization as an 'intel operation for the conservative movement,' providing research that Republican lawmakers and administration officials utilize. Walter has met with senior officials from the White House and federal agencies, sharing information on groups like ActBlue and the Southern Poverty Law Center. The CRC's online database, InfluenceWatch, details controversies and political connections of thousands of public policy influencers and nonprofit groups.
This increased attention comes as the Trump administration has intensified scrutiny on philanthropies. While CRC is smaller than other conservative think tanks, its specialized focus on nonprofits has positioned it as a valuable resource for Republicans seeking to investigate organizations perceived as aligned with the Democratic Party. The Justice Department has reportedly used CRC's research in its inquiries, including a letter concerning George Soros. However, groups like the Open Society Foundations have criticized CRC's work as politically motivated and false, aimed at silencing constitutionally protected speech.