Story perspectives

Texas AG subpoenas SPLC over $3 M extremist payments

5/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Attorney General Steve Marshall opened an investigation of the Southern Poverty Law Center, issuing a subpoena due June 1, 2026.
The subpoena seeks donor contributions, informant payments, share for informant work, and payments to extremist-filed groups.
Marshall said the probe targets fundraising and “monetizing hate,” linking it to a federal indictment for wire fraud, while the SPLC has not responded and prosecutors allege it funneled $3 million to extremist groups via fictitious entities.

History

Historical Context

In 1998 the Southern Poverty Law Center filed a civil suit that crippled the United Klans of America, echoing the landmark 1987 $7 million verdict that bankrupted the group after the Michael Donald lynching. Texas Attorney General Steve Marshall now alleges the SPLC funneled millions to extremist fronts, and a June 1 2026 subpoena could reshape nonprofit oversight.

1 of 2

Story summary

Attorney General Steve Marshall opened an investigation of the Southern Poverty Law Center, issuing a subpoena due June 1, 2026.
The subpoena seeks donor contributions, informant payments, share for informant work, and payments to extremist-filed groups.
Marshall said the probe targets fundraising and “monetizing hate,” linking it to a federal indictment for wire fraud, while the SPLC has not responded and prosecutors allege it funneled $3 million to extremist groups via fictitious entities.

1 / 2