Story perspectives

DOJ probes SPLC for fraud, money-laundering; FBI cuts ties.

4/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Justice Department opened a probe of the Southern Poverty Law Center for alleged wire fraud, money-laundering and paid informants infiltrating extremist groups.
CEO Bryan Fair said informants helped prevent attacks, that intelligence was shared with the FBI, and that the endowment was under $732 million in October 2025.
After SPLC labeled Turning Point USA a “hard-right case study,” the FBI ended its partnership, accusing the center of partisan smearing.

History

Historical Context

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), founded in 1971, has faced scrutiny for its financial practices and controversial designations of extremist groups. In 2025, the U.S. Justice Department investigated the SPLC for alleged fraud, coinciding with the FBI's termination of its partnership due to accusations of bias. The SPLC's endowment reached $732 million, raising questions about its influence in monitoring hate groups.

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Story summary

The U.S. Justice Department opened a probe of the Southern Poverty Law Center for alleged wire fraud, money-laundering and paid informants infiltrating extremist groups.
CEO Bryan Fair said informants helped prevent attacks, that intelligence was shared with the FBI, and that the endowment was under $732 million in October 2025.
After SPLC labeled Turning Point USA a “hard-right case study,” the FBI ended its partnership, accusing the center of partisan smearing.

1 / 2