Rep. Van Orden Threatens to Freeze Federal Contracts Over Alleged Support for Domestic Terrorism

Representative Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) announced his intention to freeze all federal contracts with an unnamed institution, accusing it of condoning domestic terrorism. The Wisconsin congressman made the declaration in a social media post, stating, "I will be looking into freezing every single contract. The federal government has with this institution until this is dealt with. We’re not gonna be supporting anybody that is OK with domestic terrorism."

The forceful statement by Van Orden follows recent events, including the 2025 shootings of Minnesota legislators. While the specific institution targeted by Van Orden's threat was not identified in his tweet, his past public comments provide context. In February 2025, Van Orden had also filed a resolution to impeach U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer, though that action was related to a separate issue involving Elon Musk and Treasury Department systems.

The representative's strong language about "domestic terrorism" aligns with his previous reactions to the Minnesota shootings, which he controversially linked to "No Kings protests." This suggests the "institution" in question might be one he perceives as having insufficient condemnation or even tacit support for such activities. The threat to federal contracts underscores a potential escalation in the ongoing political discourse surrounding domestic extremist actions and accountability.

This move by Representative Van Orden highlights a growing trend of lawmakers using their legislative power to pressure organizations over perceived ideological alignments. The impact of such a freeze, if implemented, could be significant for any institution heavily reliant on federal funding, potentially affecting their operations and public standing. Further details are anticipated as the situation develops, particularly regarding the identity of the institution and the specific grievances leading to this severe threat.