The FBI announced it has ended its partnership with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a Jewish civil rights group long known for tracking antisemitism and extremism. The decision, shared by FBI Director Kash Patel on social media, followed backlash from conservatives who criticized the ADL for listing Charlie Kirk’s organization, Turning Point USA, in a glossary of extremism. Patel stated that the bureau “won’t partner with political fronts masquerading as watchdogs.”
The ADL responded by acknowledging Patel’s statement, adding that it maintains “deep respect” for the FBI. The group had recently taken down its online “Glossary of Extremism and Hate” after heavy criticism from right-wing voices, including Elon Musk. The glossary accused Turning Point USA of promoting bigoted statements, a claim the conservative group has strongly denied.
The move reflects growing tensions after the assassination of Charlie Kirk in September, which sparked sharp divisions. Civil rights advocates frequently criticized Kirk for rhetoric they described as racist, anti-immigrant, misogynistic, and transphobic, particularly in his remarks about Black, Muslim, LGBTQ+, and immigrant communities. Supporters, however, hailed him as a staunch defender of conservative values and a key figure in mobilizing young voters for Donald Trump.
The fallout has extended into the media landscape, with commentators and journalists facing consequences for remarks about Kirk. ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live was briefly suspended, while MSNBC analyst Matthew Dowd and Washington Post columnist Karen Attiah were dismissed following controversial commentary.
The ADL has historically worked with U.S. law enforcement, including the FBI, since the 1940s to combat hate crimes and extremism. Former FBI Director James Comey even highlighted the partnership during a 2014 ADL summit. Despite criticism, the ADL continues to assert its mission to fight antisemitism and hate, while clarifying that opposing Israeli policies is not inherently antisemitic, though rhetoric that delegitimizes Israel’s existence is considered so.
The FBI’s break with the ADL marks a major shift in a decades-long collaboration, raising questions about how U.S. agencies will engage civil society groups in countering hate and extremism going forward.