NRA Files Lawsuit Against Charity Division Over Alleged Control by LaPierre Associates

The National Rifle Association (NRA) has initiated legal action against its charity affiliate, the NRA Foundation, claiming that a “disgruntled faction of former NRA directors” has taken control of the foundation with the intent to transform it into a competitor. The lawsuit alleges that nearly $160 million in NRA funds have been misused.

The NRA’s lawsuit, filed on Monday in federal court in Washington, D.C., asserts that the foundation was overtaken by allies of former CEO Wayne LaPierre. This takeover is seen as an attempt to sever the foundation from the larger NRA organization.

In its complaint, the NRA accuses the foundation of breaching their contract, infringing on trademarks, and illegally diverting charitable assets. The organization is seeking a court order to prevent the foundation from misusing NRA funds or trademarks.

“This is a disappointing day, and it should not have come to this,” stated NRA CEO Doug Hamlin. “A foundation established to support the National Rifle Association of America has taken actions that are adversarial at a time when the NRA is rebuilding and focused on its long-term mission.”

As of Tuesday, spokespeople for the foundation had not responded to requests for comment regarding the lawsuit.

Wayne LaPierre, who has led the NRA for over three decades, was found liable by a New York state jury in 2024 for mismanaging the organization, which resulted in significant financial losses to support his extravagant lifestyle. Following this, a state judge prohibited LaPierre from serving as an officer or director of the NRA for a decade.

According to the lawsuit filed on Monday, NRA members advocating for reform gained a board majority in 2025, effectively displacing the “old guard” associated with LaPierre.

The NRA’s complaint further alleges that the foundation has been taken over by LaPierre’s allies, who are attempting to “jettison the Foundation’s historic purpose of supporting NRA’s charitable programs and transform the Foundation into a vehicle for personal reprisal.”

Additionally, the group claims that the foundation has been “hijacking” its trademarks for fundraising purposes and repurposing funds that were originally intended to support charitable initiatives.

Topics
Lawsuits

The National Rifle Association (NRA) has initiated legal action against its charity affiliate, the NRA Foundation, claiming that a “disgruntled faction of former NRA directors” has taken control of the foundation with the intent to transform it into a competitor. The lawsuit alleges that nearly $160 million in NRA funds have been misused.

The NRA’s lawsuit, filed on Monday in federal court in Washington, D.C., asserts that the foundation was overtaken by allies of former CEO Wayne LaPierre. This takeover is seen as an attempt to sever the foundation from the larger NRA organization.

In its complaint, the NRA accuses the foundation of breaching their contract, infringing on trademarks, and illegally diverting charitable assets. The organization is seeking a court order to prevent the foundation from misusing NRA funds or trademarks.

“This is a disappointing day, and it should not have come to this,” stated NRA CEO Doug Hamlin. “A foundation established to support the National Rifle Association of America has taken actions that are adversarial at a time when the NRA is rebuilding and focused on its long-term mission.”

As of Tuesday, spokespeople for the foundation had not responded to requests for comment regarding the lawsuit.

Wayne LaPierre, who has led the NRA for over three decades, was found liable by a New York state jury in 2024 for mismanaging the organization, which resulted in significant financial losses to support his extravagant lifestyle. Following this, a state judge prohibited LaPierre from serving as an officer or director of the NRA for a decade.

According to the lawsuit filed on Monday, NRA members advocating for reform gained a board majority in 2025, effectively displacing the “old guard” associated with LaPierre.

The NRA’s complaint further alleges that the foundation has been taken over by LaPierre’s allies, who are attempting to “jettison the Foundation’s historic purpose of supporting NRA’s charitable programs and transform the Foundation into a vehicle for personal reprisal.”

Additionally, the group claims that the foundation has been “hijacking” its trademarks for fundraising purposes and repurposing funds that were originally intended to support charitable initiatives.

Topics
Lawsuits