Fact Check: FBI Investigates Habitat for Humanity
What We Know
In March 2025, claims emerged that the FBI was attempting to "criminalize" Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing affordable housing, for receiving grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These claims originated from a court filing by Citibank, which was instructed by the FBI to freeze accounts associated with several organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, due to allegations of possible fraud and wire fraud related to the EPA's Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) (Snopes, New Republic).
The GGRF is a $27 billion initiative aimed at funding projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. The FBI's involvement stemmed from credible information suggesting that the accounts of various grant recipients, including Habitat for Humanity, might be implicated in criminal activities (Snopes).
On February 17, 2025, the FBI communicated with Citibank, requesting the freeze of these accounts based on allegations of conspiracy to defraud the United States (Snopes). This action followed a commitment from EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to reclaim funds from the GGRF, which has faced significant political and legal challenges (Snopes).
Analysis
The claim that the FBI is trying to "criminalize" Habitat for Humanity is partially true. While the FBI did request Citibank to freeze accounts associated with the organization as part of a broader investigation into the GGRF, it is important to note that Habitat for Humanity itself is not the target of a criminal case. Instead, the investigation is focused on the broader implications of the funding and whether any recipient, including Habitat for Humanity, engaged in fraudulent activities (New Republic, Snopes).
The sources reporting on this matter include both mainstream news outlets and social media platforms. The reliability of these sources varies; for instance, Snopes is known for its fact-checking rigor, while other claims circulated on social media may lack the same level of verification (Snopes). The narrative that the FBI is "criminalizing" Habitat for Humanity has been amplified by political rhetoric, particularly from left-leaning commentators who view the actions as an attack on climate initiatives under the Biden administration (New Republic).
Moreover, the context of the investigation is crucial. The FBI's actions appear to be part of a larger scrutiny of the GGRF, which has been criticized for financial mismanagement and conflicts of interest (Snopes). Thus, while there is a legitimate investigation involving Habitat for Humanity, the framing of the situation as an outright criminalization of the organization may be misleading.
Conclusion
The claim that the FBI is investigating Habitat for Humanity is Partially True. The FBI has indeed requested the freezing of accounts associated with the organization as part of a broader investigation into potential fraud linked to the GGRF. However, Habitat for Humanity is not directly accused of criminal activity, and the investigation is ongoing, focusing on the funding mechanisms rather than targeting the nonprofit itself. The narrative surrounding this claim has been influenced by political discourse and may not accurately reflect the legal realities at play.
