Trump Administration Clarifies Johnson Amendment

0:00It's April 3rd, this is U.S. News Today, AI-powered stories from across the country. The Trump administration just dropped word that their issuing new guidance to help religious groups navigate the 70-year-old Johnson Amendment, which bars tax exempt churches from endorsing political candidates. This comes right after a federal judge in Texas dismissed a lawsuit from conservative faith groups trying to scrap the rule entirely. Earlier this week, that court decision shut down the challenge, but the Treasury Department and IRS are stepping in to clarify how the law applies in. Every day church settings, like sermons tied to faith matters, conservative leaders are cheering this as a win for first amendment rights, saying it protects open religious expression without turning pulpits into. Campaign stops. Critics worry it might let churches slide too close to politics, blurring those key lines. The Johnson Amendment dates back to 1954 and has been enforced unevenly by the IRS, so

1:00many pastors play its safe and steer clear of any. Candidate talk. Even on issues close to their beliefs. Treasury plans to console faith groups and others before rolling out the final rules later this year, aiming to balance religious freedom with tax. Rules. Giving leaders the clarity they've needed for decades to speak freely without losing their status.