Full Breakdown
Trump’s Allegations on SPLC Funding and CBS Settlement
4/29/2026, 2:12:44 AM
Core Allegations
Former President Donald Trump claimed that the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has provided financial support to the Ku Ku Klux Klan and other “radical, terrible groups,” describing the alleged assistance as a “total scam run by the Democrats.” He further asserted that the SPLC funded the Charlottesville rally, stating the event was “all funded by the Southern Law.” Trump also said CBS settled a lawsuit for $38 million over its editing of a Kamala Harris interview, with $16 million earmarked for his presidential library.
Background of the Claims
Trump made the statements during a public appearance in which he accused the media and civil-rights groups of bias and political manipulation, continuing his broader pattern of disputing news coverage and alleging coordinated attacks on his reputation.
Key Figures and Organizations
- Donald Trump – former U.S. president.
- Southern Poverty Law Center – civil-rights organization cited as funding extremist groups.
- Ku Ku Klux Klan – extremist group mentioned as a recipient.
- CBS – network alleged to have paid $38 million settlement.
- Kamala Harris – vice-presidential candidate referenced in the interview dispute.
Official Responses and Lack of Comment
The article provides no statements from the SPLC, CBS, the Democratic Party, or any of the individuals named in response to Trump’s allegations.
Criticism and Opposition
The source describes Trump’s SPLC claim as “completely outrageous,” noting that neo-Nazis and white supremacists such as Richard Spencer and Nick Fuentes attended the Charlottesville rally, implying the claim misrepresents the event’s participants.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Trump’s statements are presented without supporting evidence. No independent verification of SPLC funding of the KKK or of the CBS settlement amount is offered, and the lack of official comments leaves the allegations uncorroborated. Further verification would be required to substantiate the claims.
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
- “That was a Southern Law deal too. And it was done to make me look bad. And it turned out to be a total fake. It basically was a rigged election. This was a part of the rigging of the election.” — 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
