Cotton to IRS: Investigate Palestinian Youth Movement’s Funding and Ties to Terrorism

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact:Caroline TablerorPatrick McCann(202) 224-2353August 22, 2025
Cotton to IRS: Investigate Palestinian Youth Movement’s Funding and Ties to Terrorism
Washington, D.C.— Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) sent a letter to the Internal Revenue Services (IRS) Acting Commissioner Scott Bessent requesting an investigation into the Palestinian Youth Movement (PYM) funding sources for possible violations of the U.S. tax code. The PYM is an organization known for its virulently antisemitic stances, public statements in support of terrorist groups, and support for anti-Israel protests in America.
In part, Senator Cotton wrote:
“An organization that supports terrorism, breaks U.S. law, and sows antisemitic discord should not receive any benefits from the American tax system. I ask you to immediately investigate both PYM and Honor the Earth and to take any actions necessary to remedy this situation.”
Full text of the letter may be foundhereand below.

August 22, 2025

The Honorable Scott BessentActing CommissionerInternal Revenue Service1111 Constitution Avenue, N.W.Washington, D.C. 20224

Dear Acting Commissioner Bessent,

I write to express my concern about the actions of the Palestinian Youth Movement (PYM) and to ask you to investigate their funding sources for violations of U.S. tax code.The PYM is a youth activist organization known for its virulently antisemitic stances, public statements in support of terrorist groups, and activities and support for anti-Israel protests in America. While this behavior is despicable, it is the PYM’s receipt of tax exempt donations that likely violates U.S. law.

PYM receives funding from Honor the Earth, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. PYM’s website states “We also accept checks payable to ‘Honor the Earth’” and says U.S.-based donations are tax deductible. I believe PYM’s activities, particularly its support for terrorist organizations such as Hamas, should prevent it from receiving tax exempt donations. PYM is clearly operating outside of the acceptable scope of activities in 26 U.S. Code § 501 for tax exemptions, as is Honor the Earth by sending funds to PYM.

Evidence of PYM’s public support for terrorism includes:

An organization that supports terrorism, breaks U.S. law, and sows antisemitic discord should not receive any benefits from the American tax system. I ask you to immediately investigate both PYM and Honor the Earth and to take any actions necessary to remedy this situation.

Thank you for addressing this important matter.

Sincerely,

Tom CottonUnited States Senator
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