FBI Severs Ties With ADL Over Extremist Label Controversy

FBI Director Kash Patel announced on Oct. 1 that the bureau had cut ties with the Anti-Defamation League, saying the FBI “won’t partner with political fronts masquerading as watchdogs” after conservatives criticized the ADL for listing Turning Point USA, led by Charlie Kirk, in its Glossary of Extremism and Hate. Patel cited the ADL’s past partnership with former FBI Director James Comey and denounced what he called Comey-era collaborations; media reports say Comey has been recently indicted. The ADL removed the glossary entry after backlash from prominent conservatives including Elon Musk and Donald Trump Jr.; the entry said TPUSA had a history of “bigoted statements” while also noting Kirk condemned white nationalists and supported Israel. It remains unclear what specific ties the FBI had with the ADL, and the ADL did not immediately respond to requests for comment.