Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX) questioned Diane Yentel, President and CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits, during a House subcommittee hearing Wednesday, repeatedly asking whether she considered herself a “covert white supremacist” in relation to past statements and definitions endorsed by organizations associated with her work.
The exchange occurred during a House Oversight Subcommittee on Government Efficiency hearing titled “Public Funds, Private Agendas: NGOs Gone Wild.”
Yentel testified in defense of nonprofit organizations receiving federal funding.
Trump’s Sovereign Wealth Fund: What Could It Mean For Your Money?
The hearing examined the role of non-governmental organizations in federal programs, with some Republicans raising concerns about political bias among nonprofit groups.
Gill began by referencing Yentel’s past public comments on race-related issues.
“You’ve written a lot about anti-racism and white fragility,” Gill said, before asking, “Do you believe President Trump is a racist?”
Yentel declined to answer directly, prompting Gill to point out that she had previously called the president a “vile, despicable racist” on social media.
This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year
He also cited a post in which she referred to Trump’s housing policies as racist, though again, she declined to restate that position during the hearing.
Gill then highlighted language from a nonprofit affiliated with Yentel’s organization, which included a definition of “covert white supremacy” that, according to Gill, includes the denial of racism.
“Are you a covert white supremacist?” Gill asked. Yentel did not respond directly, instead attempting to shift focus to her organization’s broader work with nonprofits.
“No,” Gill responded. “I’m asking you if you’re a covert white supremacist, which, according to one of your own organizations—again, denial of racism constitutes covert white supremacy. Would you like to answer the question?”
Yentel again declined to give a yes or no answer. After further exchanges, she said she could not answer because she did not know the definition of a “covert white supremacist.”
Gill expressed disbelief at the response. “I am utterly dumbfounded,” he said.
“You are on record right now, and you will not say that you are not a covert white supremacist?”
🚨NEW— @RepBrandonGill leaves this Democrat NGO witness BABBLING after holding her to the standards that she & her organization demand of others.
“Are you a covert white supremacist?”
This is PRICELESS. pic.twitter.com/TjhkftqXNl
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) June 4, 2025
The moment marked one of the most contentious portions of the hearing.
Gill used the opportunity to question the ideological leanings of federally funded nonprofits and their leadership.
He also referenced past social media activity by Yentel, suggesting that public comments made outside the hearing conflicted with her unwillingness to affirm or deny positions during testimony.
Yentel continued to focus on her role representing nonprofit groups and did not elaborate further on the comments Gill cited.
The exchange is the latest in a series of pointed questions Rep. Gill has directed at witnesses during recent oversight hearings.
In a separate hearing last month, Gill questioned USA Fencing Chairman Damien Lehfeldt regarding statements about parents opposed to transgender participation in girls’ sports.
Damien Lehfeldt, Chairman of @USAFencing, has a long, ugly record of smearing parents who dare to oppose men in their daughters’ sports.
He brought lame excuses. I brought receipts. pic.twitter.com/QMU8XjB68z
— Congressman Brandon Gill (@RepBrandonGill) May 7, 2025
Wednesday’s hearing featured testimony from multiple witnesses on the role and oversight of nonprofit organizations that receive public funds. Republicans on the committee raised concerns about potential political activism among these groups and how taxpayer dollars are used.
Connect with Vetted Off-Duty Cops to Instantly Fulfill Your Security Needs
Read the full article here