The FBI has officially ended its partnership with the Anti-Defamation League, a Jewish organization that monitors antisemitism, following a surge of criticism from right-wing figures. FBI Director Kash Patel announced the move on social media, stating that the bureau "won't partner with political fronts masquerading as watchdogs." The decision comes after conservative backlash over the ADL's inclusion of Turning Point USA, a group founded by the late activist Charlie Kirk, in a now-removed "Glossary of Extremism and Hate," reports Reuters.
That glossary described Turning Point USA as having a history of "bigoted statements," a label that Kirk's supporters reject. The ADL, which has collaborated with federal agencies since the 1940s, said it "has deep respect" for the FBI and acknowledged Patel's announcement. Historically, the ADL has provided data and research on hate crimes and has worked with the FBI on civil rights training. Despite this, recent months have seen increased tension over how the ADL defines and confronts extremism, especially after high-profile criticism from figures like Elon Musk.
Kirk, who was assassinated last month, drew both condemnation and praise during his life. Civil rights advocates accused him of spreading divisive rhetoric about marginalized groups, while supporters viewed him as a champion of conservative ideals. The fallout from his death has rippled through media and political circles, with several commentators facing professional consequences for their public remarks.
story continues below
Axios notes there's been pushback as well on the obscure Christian Identity movement also being included in the glossary. Some ADL critics also accuse it of blurring the line between antisemitism and criticism of Israel's policies, particularly over Gaza and Palestinian territories, per Reuters. The ADL maintains that while criticism of Israel isn't inherently antisemitic, rhetoric attacking the legitimacy of Israel crosses that line.
,
uBlock 
,
and
Ghostery 
)
