FBI cuts ties with Anti-Defamation League after rightwing criticism that ADL declared that Turning Point USA had a history of "bigoted statements"

The FBI has announced it is severing ties with both the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), two prominent civil rights organizations that have historically assisted the bureau in tracking extremism and hate crimes. FBI Director Kash Patel criticized the ADL for labeling Charlie Kirk’s organization, Turning Point USA (TPUSA), as extremist in its “Glossary of Extremism and Hate,” a move that followed the assassination of Kirk in September. Patel accused the ADL of functioning as a “political front masquerading as a watchdog.” The ADL responded by stating it has “deep respect” for the FBI and acknowledged Patel’s announcement.

The controversy intensified when Elon Musk and other conservative figures criticized the ADL for including TPUSA in its glossary. In response to the backlash, the ADL removed the entire glossary from its website, citing outdated entries and misuse. The glossary had described TPUSA as having a history of “bigoted statements,” a characterization the group rejects.

The ADL has long collaborated with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in combating extremism and hate. Its website notes that the FBI has sought its data and research since the 1940s. Former FBI Director James Comey highlighted the partnership in a 2014 ADL summit, where the FBI and ADL co-hosted civil rights and hate crime training for state and local law enforcement.

The fallout from Kirk’s assassination has sparked a broader right-wing backlash against individuals and organizations perceived as critical of Kirk. In the past month, “Jimmy Kimmel Live” was briefly taken off the air, political analyst Matthew Dowd was fired from MSNBC, and columnist Karen Attiah was dismissed by The Washington Post. Critics of Kirk accused him of promoting racist, anti-immigrant, transphobic, and misogynistic rhetoric, citing his remarks on Black, LGBTQ+, Muslim, and immigrant communities. Supporters, however, hailed him as a defender of conservative values and a champion of public debate who energized young voters for Trump.

The ADL documents antisemitism and hate but has faced criticism for allegedly equating antisemitism with criticism of Israeli policies, including Israel’s assault on Gaza and its occupation of Palestinian territories. The ADL’s website refutes this by stating that such conflation is a misconception. It adds that certain forms of anti-Israel rhetoric and activism delegitimize Israel and its existence, and are antisemitic when they vilify and negate Zionism.

Source: REUTERS