Full Breakdown
Rep. Harriet Hageman’s Controversial Claim About SPLC and the Unite the Right Rally Sparks Backlash
5/5/2026, 2:49:48 AM
Alleged False Claim and Immediate Reaction
During a recent podcast, Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-WY) claimed the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) “funded and organized” the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, and that the nonprofit “paid the guy who did that $270,000.” The remark drew swift condemnation on social media, with critics labeling it “disgusting lies.”
Background and Context
The Department of Justice, under the Trump administration, filed an 11-count indictment against the SPLC alleging wire and bank fraud for allegedly failing to disclose donor use in operations targeting right-wing extremist groups. The SPLC has denied the fraud allegations. The Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville resulted in the death of protester Heather Heyer after a participant drove a vehicle into the crowd.
Timeline of Key Developments
- Indictment week (date unspecified): DOJ files 11-count indictment against SPLC for alleged wire and bank fraud.
- Podcast interview (date unspecified): Rep. Harriet Hageman claims SPLC funded and organized the Charlottesville rally and paid $270,000 to the driver who killed Heather Heyer.
- Social-media backlash (following interview): Critics label Hageman’s remarks “disgusting lies” and issue condemnations.
Key Figures and Groups
- Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-WY): Wyoming congresswoman who made the disputed SPLC claim.
- Southern Poverty Law Center: Nonprofit targeted by the DOJ indictment and Hageman’s statements.
- Department of Justice: Federal agency that issued the indictment.
- Heather Heyer: Victim killed at the Charlottesville rally.
- Fred Wellman: Democratic candidate in Missouri who criticized Hageman.
- David Gaines: Composer who denounced Hageman’s election.
- Norman Ornstein: Political scientist who condemned Hageman’s appointment.
Data and Statistics
The indictment lists 11 fraud counts. Hageman cited a $270,000 payment to the driver who killed Heather Heyer. The Charlottesville rally resulted in one fatality.
Official Statements and Responses
The DOJ indictment alleges the SPLC concealed donor fund usage and engaged in fraudulent wire and bank practices. The SPLC’s official response denies the fraud allegations.
Criticism and Opposition
Fred Wellman called Hageman’s remarks “Just disgusting lies,” adding that his son-in-law, a National Guardsman, faced threats from “Nazis and racists” who organized the rally. Composer David Gaines labeled Hageman “the genius who replaced Liz Cheney in Congress,” while political scientist Norman Ornstein described her a “lunatic Cultist” and said Wyoming’s choice was “an embarrassment to decency.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “Just disgusting lies,” — Fred Wellman, Democratic candidate for office in Missouri
- “My son-in-law was a National Guardsman scared for his life, and it was the Nazis and racists that organized it. What a disgusting woman.” — Fred Wellman, Democratic candidate for office in Missouri
- “This is the genius who replaced Liz Cheney in Congress,” — David Gaines, composer
- “That Wyoming picked this lunatic Cultist instead of Liz Cheney is an embarrassment to decency,” — Norman Ornstein, political scientist
- “They paid the guy who did that $270,000,” — Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-WY)
