#ADL responds to #KashPatel
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) responded to #FBI Director Kash Patel’s decision to cut ties with the organization by affirming its respect for the FBI and reiterating its commitment to fighting antisemitism
ADL’s statement
In its official statement, the ADL said it had “deep respect” for the Federal Bureau of Investigation and all law enforcement officers who work to protect Americans “regardless of their ancestry, religion, ethnicity, faith, political affiliation or any other point of difference”.
The group also specifically addressed the current climate, stating, “In light of an unprecedented surge of antisemitism, we remain more committed than ever to our core purpose to protect the Jewish people”.
Context of Patel’s decision
Patel’s announcement to sever the FBI’s decades-long partnership with the ADL came amid significant controversy.
Political pressure: The move followed weeks of criticism from right-wing figures, including Elon Musk, over the ADL’s online “Glossary of Extremism”.
Charlie Kirk and Turning Point USA: The backlash escalated after the assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk in September 2025. The ADL had previously included an entry for Kirk’s organization, Turning Point USA, in its glossary, accusing it of attracting extremists and promoting conspiracy theories. The ADL later retired the entire glossary.
Criticism of James Comey: In his own remarks on the decision, Patel specifically attacked former FBI Director James Comey, calling him a “disgrace” for his previous collaborations with the ADL.
FBI’s perspective
On October 1, 2025, Patel announced on X that the FBI would “not partner with political fronts masquerading as watchdogs,” stating that the “era” of former Director Comey’s collaborations with groups like the ADL was over. The decision ended a relationship that dated back to the 1940s and involved training sessions on hate crimes and extremism.— Michael Novakhov (@mikenov) Oct 3, 2025
