National political pundits like Glenn Beck continually beat the drum that Donald Trump is a progressive. How does that square with a progressive veterans group not taking financial contributions based on Trump’s non-progressive ideology?

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), says it will decline donations (if they are offered) from Trump for his fundraising event Thursday night. 

In his latest tweet CEO and IAVA founder Paul Rieckhoff accuses Donald Trump of using vets as a "political stunt.”

The Iraq war veteran claims his group is “fiercely non partisan" and "veterans' issues are everyone's, and too important to be politicized or have our voices hijacked by fake veterans groups--like in the case of Donald Trump" 

Why is Rieckhoff targeting Trump? The presidential candidate has championed the plight of our nation's veterans since he announced his candidacy in June. Last night he held a sold out benefit rally to raise money for vets who, Mr. Trump says, have been treated worse than illegal immigrants.

Rieckhoff's refusal to accept money from Trump makes little sense especially when he contends his group is “fiercely non-partisan.”

So how non-partisan is IAVA? Not very.

Since its founding in 2004 the progressive front group is all about political influence which makes the "political stunt" slur aimed at Trump laughable.

IAVA lobbies for leftist agendas within the military like the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell while handing out small contributions to various nonprofits.  They took in over $6 million in 2013, but handed out grants of $80,000 to veterans' groups, with $3.7 million going to employee salaries and compensation.

IAVA also states it led the veterans community in endorsing the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act.

Their newest hire, Allison Jaslow was formerly program director of policy and political affairs for the Human Rights Campaign, which advocates for LGBT rights. IAVA has hired her as a Director of Political and Intergovernmental Affairs. Their policy agenda specifically states, “Diversity is a force multiplier for our armed forces as well as for our nation.” IAVA promotes equalizing benefits and services for all LGBT veterans.

IAVA funders, board members, "partner friends" and benefactors read like a who's who of liberals and leftists. The Annenberg Foundation, Jonathan Soros, Rachel Maddow, Stephen Colbert, The Lear Foundation, The White House, Goldman Sachs, Viacom, and the Chamber of Commerce, are among the hundreds of individuals, businesses and foundations listed on their website

IAVA’s reps have been special guests of Michelle and Barack Obama numerous times at the White House. Its newest board members include Norman Lear and Rep. Patrick Kennedy. Rieckhoff is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and has blogged exclusively for the Huffington Post.

IAVA posing as a veterans advocacy group to push a leftist agenda is bad enough. But for Rieckhoff to claim they are apolitical and non-partisan while criticizing Trump, Palin and others for politicizing veterans’ causes is mind-boggling.

Read more Evans @ exzoom.net