FBI Ends Partnership with ADL Following Controversy Over TPUSA Designation

The FBI has announced the termination of its partnership with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), following backlash over the ADL's classification of Turning Point USA (TPUSA) as an "extremist" group. FBI Director Kash Patel made the announcement on Wednesday, stating that the decision marks a departure from previous leadership's practices.

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Patel criticized former FBI Director James Comey for his close relationship with the ADL, describing it as a misstep that blurred the lines between law enforcement and activism. "James Comey disgraced the FBI by writing ‘love letters’ to the ADL and embedding agents with an extreme group functioning like a terrorist organization," Patel said. He emphasized that the FBI is now rejecting Comey’s policies and any association with the ADL.

The ADL, which describes itself as an "anti-hate organization," has faced scrutiny for its labeling practices. Critics, including John Lott Jr., argue that the group often mischaracterizes incidents of violence, attributing left-wing violence to right-wing sources while downplaying actual leftist aggression.

The controversy intensified when the ADL categorized TPUSA, founded by conservative activist Charlie Kirk, as having ties to various extremist groups. The ADL's characterization included claims that TPUSA has connections to anti-Muslim bigots and elements of the white supremacist alt-right. This classification drew significant public backlash, prompting the ADL to reevaluate its terminology.

In response to the criticism, the ADL announced on Tuesday that it would retire its "Glossary of Extremism and Hate," acknowledging that many entries were outdated and had been misrepresented. The organization stated, "At ADL, we always are looking for how we can and should do things better. That’s why we are moving to retire the Glossary effectively immediately."

Comey, who led the FBI from 2013 to 2017, had previously praised the ADL's work. During a speech at the ADL’s National Leadership Summit in May 2017, he expressed gratitude for the organization’s advocacy for fairness and equality, stating, "For more than 100 years, you have advocated for fairness and equality … And for all of that, we are grateful."

The FBI's decision to end its partnership with the ADL comes amid a broader discussion about the role of law enforcement in addressing extremism and hate. Supporters of the FBI's new direction argue that it is essential to maintain a clear distinction between law enforcement and advocacy groups.

The termination of the partnership reflects ongoing tensions regarding how organizations classify extremism and violence. As the FBI moves forward, it remains to be seen how this decision will impact its approach to community relations and its strategies for addressing extremism in the future.