Full Breakdown
Trump Accuses SPLC of Funding Extremist Groups and CBS of Paying $38 Million Settlement
4/29/2026, 1:36:20 AM
Core Claims
In a recent interview, former President Donald Trump alleged that the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) funds the Ku Klux Klan and other “radical, terrible groups,” calling it “a total scam run by the Democrats.” He also claimed that CBS paid him $38 million for an edited Kamala Harris interview, with $16 million earmarked for his presidential library.
Background & Context
Trump’s remarks are part of his broader effort to portray media and civil-rights groups as partisan opponents. He has repeatedly claimed the election was “rigged” and that news outlets spread “fake news” about him. The SPLC, a nonprofit organization, is a frequent target of his criticism, and he has sued media outlets for alleged false reporting.
Key Figures & Organizations
The actors are Donald Trump; the Southern Poverty Law Center; the Ku Klux Klan; the Democratic Party; CBS News; and Vice President Kamala Harris, whose interview is cited. Far-right speakers Richard Spencer and Nick Fuentes are noted as present at Charlottesville. The settlement is linked to Trump’s presidential library, which is slated to receive part of the funds.
Data & Statistics
Trump claimed the SPLC provides “hundreds of thousands and even millions of dollars” to the KKK and similar groups. He also said CBS’s settlement was $38 million, with $16 million earmarked for his presidential library, leaving $22 million unaccounted for.
Official Statements & Summaries
Trump described the SPLC as a conduit for extremist financing, labeled Democratic actors as running a “total scam,” and portrayed CBS as paying him for alleged editorial misconduct. He tied these claims to his narrative of election fraud and partisan hostility, asserting that the media settlement reflects the rigged election he alleges.
Criticism & Opposition
The New Republic calls Trump’s SPLC allegation “completely outrageous,” noting that neo-Nazi and white-supremacist speakers Richard Spencer and Nick Fuentes were present at Charlottesville, contradicting the claim that the SPLC funded the rally. It also points out that the settlement figure is presented without corroborating evidence.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Trump cites a $38 million CBS settlement with $16 million earmarked for his library, leaving $22 million unaccounted for. No source confirms SPLC’s alleged KKK funding or verifies the settlement amount, and the source does not explain how the remaining $22 million would be allocated.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I see these No Kings which are funded just like the [Southern Poverty Law Center] was funded.” — Donald Trump, Former President
- “You all that Southern Laws, financing the KKK and lots of other radical, terrible groups.” — Donald Trump, Former President
- “It’s a total scam run by the Democrats.” — Donald Trump, Former President
- “ Trump also claimed that CBS paid him $38 million in his settlement against the network for their editing of a Kamala Harris interview.” — Donald Trump, Former President