The ADL’s move to label Charlie Kirk’s pro-Israel movement as “extremist” backfires, igniting outrage from conservatives, Elon Musk, and Christian leaders.
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has triggered a political firestorm after adding Turning Point USA (TPUSA) to its so-called “extremism and hate glossary,” a move critics say unfairly maligns conservatives and insults millions of Christians.
The ADL, which claims to combat antisemitism and protect civil rights, accused TPUSA of promoting conspiracy theories, fostering Christian nationalism, and attracting “racist elements.” It further cited TPUSA’s “Professor Watchlist” and “School Board Watchlist” initiatives—programs exposing radical left-wing indoctrination in schools—as evidence of extremism.
Founded in 2012 by Charlie Kirk, TPUSA rapidly grew into one of the most influential right-wing student organizations in America, raising millions from conservative donors and mobilizing grassroots activism. The ADL report even attacked Kirk personally, citing his skepticism over the 2020 U.S. election and opposition to vaccine mandates.
The backlash was immediate and fierce. Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk blasted the ADL as a “hate group,” declaring its attack on TPUSA “deeply wrong.” Donald Trump Jr. condemned the move as “disgraceful,” while thousands of conservatives accused the ADL of twisting fringe ideologies like “Christian Identity” into a smear campaign against mainstream Christianity.
The outrage is especially sharp given that Charlie Kirk—assassinated earlier this month—was one of America’s most outspoken defenders of Israel. Across his public appearances and digital platforms, Kirk tirelessly affirmed his solidarity with the Jewish people and his belief in Israel as a vital ally.
ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt, scrambling to contain the fallout, insisted the organization is not anti-Christian, stressing that “many of our staff and supporters are Christian.” He clarified that “Christian Identity” is a racist and antisemitic cult ideology with no relation to mainstream Christian denominations.
Yet critics argue the damage is already done. By branding a fiercely pro-Israel movement as extremist, the ADL risks alienating conservative allies and undermining the very coalition that has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel through its darkest hours.
