Topic: Wounded Warrior Project

The CEO and COO of the Wounded Warrior Project were fired following reports that the charity spends only 60 cents of every dollar on veterans. The investigation also highlighted high speaking fees paid to figures like George W. Bush, though his $100,000 tab was noted as being lower than fees typically charged by the Clintons.

Joanne Freed, the Public Relations Director for the Wounded Warrior Project, sent an email to the show thanking the hosts for criticizing a CBS News investigation into the charity. The organization claims the CBS report, led by Chip Reid, was a "shameful" dramatization that harmed the veteran population. A leaked audio clip of Chip Reid suggests he personally pitched positive stories about the project that were rejected by network executives in favor of the investigative piece.

Charity Navigator placed the Wounded Warrior Project on its "watch list" following allegations of lavish spending, though critics note that many prominent organizations, including Common Cause and the Nature Conservancy, appear on similar lists. An analysis of the organization's Form 990 reveals CEO Steven Nardizzi earns $475,000 annually, which is compared to the $600,000 salary of Planned Parenthood's Cecile Richards. Questions remain regarding the specific metrics the charity uses to define successful veteran reintegration.

The Wounded Warrior Project faces criticism for its aggressive legal defense of its trademark, often suing smaller veteran charities with similar logos. Veterans have complained about the organization's exclusive sourcing through Under Armour and its refusal to allow independent authors to sell books at sanctioned events. Despite raising $375 million in twelve years, the charity is accused of failing to help the broader population of 21 million U.S. veterans, leading to significant "buyer's remorse" among donors.

CBS News published an investigation into the Wounded Warrior Project, alleging out-of-control spending on staff retreats, alcohol, and executive luxuries. A review of the organization's IRS Form 990 reveals that while it raised $342 million in 2014, significant portions were spent on fundraising and administrative conferences. The hosts analyze the salaries of CEO Steven Nardizzi and COO Al Giordano, questioning the timing of the report relative to Donald Trump's veteran-focused events.