Story perspectives

SPLC Files Dismissal, Calls DOJ Fraud Probe Trump-Driven

5/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Southern Poverty Law Center filed to dismiss Department of Justice (DOJ) fraud charges, calling the case a vindictive prosecution linked to President Donald Trump.
The Department of Justice says SPLC spent $3 million on extremist informants from 2014-2023 and lied to a bank to hide payments.
The SPLC denies fraud, says donors knew payments, and seeks to unseal grand-jury transcripts, citing the dismissal of a human-smuggling case Kilmar Abrego Garcia.

History

Historical Context

After the 2001 USA PATRIOT Act gave the Attorney General authority to award rewards—requiring approval for amounts over $250,000 and expanding National Security Letter powers—Congressional leaders questioned its use in a 2002 Judiciary Committee inquiry. Decades later, allegations that a civil-rights nonprofit concealed payments to informants have revived calls for stricter DOJ oversight.

1 of 2

Story summary

The Southern Poverty Law Center filed to dismiss Department of Justice (DOJ) fraud charges, calling the case a vindictive prosecution linked to President Donald Trump.
The Department of Justice says SPLC spent $3 million on extremist informants from 2014-2023 and lied to a bank to hide payments.
The SPLC denies fraud, says donors knew payments, and seeks to unseal grand-jury transcripts, citing the dismissal of a human-smuggling case Kilmar Abrego Garcia.

1 / 2