By Gloria Ogbonna
During a Friday appearance on Fox News Channel’s America Reports, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt strongly defended the Department of Justice’s actions against the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), describing the organization as a “criminal organization run by fraudsters.”
The interview, conducted by host John Roberts, focused on the Justice Department’s reported indictment targeting the SPLC and allegations that the organization funneled money to individuals connected to extremist activity. Roberts noted that the SPLC was once widely regarded as a respected civil rights organization known for its historic work combatting the Ku Klux Klan and other hate groups.
“I want to ask you about the DOJ going after the Southern Poverty Law Center,” Roberts said. “At one point in its history, it was a very reputable civil rights organization fighting the KKK. According to the DOJ, all of that has changed.
And I guess what’s most relevant to President Trump is the allegation that they were paying the person involved in the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, which became one of the biggest points of criticism during his first term. What’s the president’s thinking on what’s happening now?”
Leavitt responded by asserting that the organization had strayed far from its original mission. “You’re right,” she said. “The Southern Poverty Law Center was a very reputable organization at one point in time. Unfortunately, it has transformed into a criminal organization run by fraudsters who are paying for and inciting the very racism they claim to stand against.”
She went on to reference the 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia — an event that generated intense national controversy and political fallout. Leavitt described criticism of President Donald Trump related to the rally as a “hoax,” arguing that the narrative surrounding his remarks at the time had been distorted and politically weaponized.
“That is one of the most vicious and egregious smears that has been used against President Trump over the past 11 years since he entered politics,” Leavitt said. She further claimed that the SPLC had financially supported individuals connected to the controversy and that media outlets amplified what she described as false narratives.
Leavitt also pointed to the 2020 presidential election cycle, stating that then-candidate Joe Biden referenced the Charlottesville events when launching his campaign. She argued that the controversy had been used as a political foundation against Trump and maintained that the allegations tied to the SPLC demonstrate hypocrisy by an organization that presents itself as anti-racist.
“I’m glad to see accountability is being upheld, thanks to the Department of Justice,” Leavitt said. She emphasized that the indictment was the result of a grand jury process, arguing that it reflected the decision of American citizens rather than political maneuvering by the administration.
The press secretary also criticized media coverage of the case, singling out reporting from outlets such as The New York Times. She accused what she called “legacy media” of portraying the indictment as a partisan weaponization of the justice system by the Trump administration.
“It couldn’t be further from the truth,” Leavitt said. “This was a grand jury indictment made up of Americans who realized that this organization was engaging in criminal activity, and they need to be held accountable for it.”
The DOJ investigation into the SPLC has drawn sharp reactions from both supporters and critics. Advocates of the probe argue it represents necessary oversight and enforcement of federal law, while opponents contend it risks politicizing institutions historically associated with civil rights advocacy.
As the legal process unfolds, the case is expected to intensify debate over the boundaries between political activism, nonprofit operations, and criminal liability — as well as broader concerns about the role of the Justice Department in high-profile investigations involving influential organizations.
Source Breitbart
Original article
Comments