This is a classic example of why we state that "fiqh is dead". Here's a collection of statements from random talib ilm (in no particular order and with no citations being provided):

"real-life example of an improper application of maqāṣid to fiqh."

"On a very fundamental level, the Prophet ﷺ taught us to 'Leave that which is doubtful for that which is certain.' This fatwa is based on a lot of doubt."

"If one really wants to use the category of muallafatul qulub, there are tons of impoverished Americans who, like most of us, are completely done with both parties. They would be extremely inclined towards Islam if we invested just a little in their communities."

"Sorry to say it but these are the same ICNA uncles who get excited because occasionally a senator says nice things to them... the idea that anyone is considering using zakah like this AFTER all the Epstein file releases is mind boggling to me."

"The Protestant level disdain for the poor necessary to write something like this boggles my mind...."

"This is from the dangers of leaving the legal safeguards of the four schools of Sunni Islam, none of which permit such use of zakat."

"Playing a game of reverse Robin Hood to protect ourselves behind politicians in an age where politicians are subject to larger interests—far larger than zakat can secure—is the kind of short-sighted, always several steps behind, strategy we’ve come to expect from some of our community leaders."

"I never thought I would see the day when Abu Bakr's (RA) fight against the Ridda would be trivialised by comparing it to giving one's 'ibādãt to the most immoral, unethical, and genocidal system in human history."

Will provide some addition relevent links in relay/cooment to this note