American Civil Liberties Union receives more than $24 million in donations after Donald Trump 'Muslim ban'
The non-profit organisation usually receives $4 million a year
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has received more than $24 million (£19 million) in donations this weekend.
The non-profit organisation, whose purpose is to defend people's individual rights and liberties, usually receives $4 million (£3.2 million) a year in online donations.
The huge increase comes as the ACLU, alongside some of its allies, challenged sections of Donald Trump’s travel ban policy in court.
More than 350,000 people donated over the weekend and many celebrities encouraged their fans to get in.
Pop icon Sia and comedian Rosie O’Donnell said they would both match donations up to $100,000.
ACLU plan to use the donations to increase staffing and mount more legal challenges and Anthony Romero, the executive director of the organisation, said Mr Trump was engaging in “xenophobia”.
"Our nation is a nation of immigrants. We have welcomed refugees to our shores,” Mr Romero said on CNN.
“Refugees in particular are among the most vulnerable individuals, and the idea that we would try to shut them out because of the fearmongering, the xenophobia that President Trump has now engaged in, we find very troubling."
The ACLU has also gained 150,000 to 200,000 new members in the last few days. It had 400,000 when Mr Trump was elected in November, Mr Romero said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments