Catholic Charities is engaged in a legal challenge as the Supreme Court reviews whether Wisconsin’s unemployment tax exemption criteria unlawfully discriminate against religiously affiliated charities that provide secular social services. The organization argues that the state’s application of the exemption unfairly targets its independently administered social ministry, setting a precedent that could embolden discriminatory policies.

Catholic Charities is involved in a Supreme Court case challenging Wisconsin's unemployment tax exemption criteria by claiming a religious exemption despite providing primarily secular services. The case raises concerns about potential broader implications for worker protections if religious organizations can bypass standard laws.

Catholic Charities and its affiliates are contesting state unemployment tax requirements by arguing for a religious exemption. Critics warn that such exemptions might jeopardize worker protections by shifting unemployment coverage from the state to a church‐affiliated entity. The Supreme Court is expected to deliver a decision by June 2025.

Following the Trump administration's abrupt freeze on federal spending for refugee resettlement on January 24, 2025, multiple Catholic Charities agencies have been forced to lay off staff and close their refugee programs. In response, leaders have filed legal challenges and issued statements urging a reevaluation of the policy, highlighting the adverse impact on vulnerable populations.

An OpenSecrets profile reveals that Catholic Charities contributed $141,030 in the 2024 cycle and spent $280,000 on lobbying. The report also highlights a high incidence of revolving door practices, with many lobbyists previously holding government positions, raising concerns about potential regulatory capture and undue political influence.

On January 28, 2025, Catholic Charities USA issued a statement urging the Trump administration to reconsider its directive to freeze federal assistance programs, which threatened to strip funding from organizations serving vulnerable communities. Their action comes as a response to an executive order aimed at curtailing support to NGOs involved in immigrant services, echoing broader efforts to enforce harsh immigration policies.

A study by the Lepanto Institute revealed that employees at Catholic Charities, along with several other Catholic organizations, directed 83% of their campaign contributions to Democratic candidates and causes, indicating a strong progressive political leaning among church workers.

A recent report reveals that 76% of the political donations made by Catholic Charities employees supported Democrat-affiliated candidates and causes, while only 23% went to Republican groups. This skewed contribution pattern suggests an ideological leaning that aligns with progressive, anti-fascist values.

A report analyzing political contributions by employees of Catholic Charities reveals that 76% of donations favored Democrat candidates and causes, with $592,872 directed toward pro-Democrat PACs compared to $180,090 for Republican candidates. This alignment with progressive political leanings is highlighted in comparison to other Catholic charitable organizations.

Catholic Charities spent $240,000 on lobbying in 2023, as reported by OpenSecrets. This activity reflects the organization’s engagement in the political process, likely aimed at advocating for policies that support its social services mission and protection of marginalized communities.

Catholic Charities, as part of the broader U.S. Catholic Church network, has been instrumental in providing direct assistance to human trafficking survivors by offering shelter, medical care, legal aid, counseling, job training, and reintegration services. These efforts are highlighted in discussions on ethical responses to modern-day slavery and contribute to protecting human rights and fair labor practices.