SPLC leader justifies placing Turning Point USA with neo-Nazis on ‘hate map’

SPLC Defends Designation of TPUSA as Extremist Group in Congressional Hearing

During a tense hearing on Tuesday, Brian Fair, the interim director of the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), stood by the organization’s choice to include conservative group Turning Point USA (TPUSA) on its “hate map.” This decision has sparked significant backlash, particularly from Republican lawmakers.

Fair highlighted that TPUSA, which was established by the late Charlie Kirk, has been classified alongside more notorious extremist groups such as white supremacists and neo-Nazis in the SPLC’s 2025 Year of Hate and Extremism report.

The hearing became especially heated as Republicans criticized the SPLC’s affiliations with the Biden administration, coinciding with a criminal investigation by the Justice Department into alleged financial misconduct by the nonprofit.

“Are you going to recant your statement, or are you going to stand by the inclusion of figures like Charlie Kirk on your list?” asked Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.).

In response, Fair reiterated that he could not address specific issues related to the ongoing inquiry but maintained the group’s stance on exposing hate and extremism.

Issa pressed for a direct answer, asserting, “If you don’t backtrack, please don’t claim it’s because of your indictment.” He further questioned whether the SPLC would like to retract designations made in the past.

Fair’s reply focused on the SPLC’s commitment to identifying hate, stating, “We will continue to shine a light on hate and extremism.” In response to another inquiry from Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), Fair explained that the organization believes TPUSA’s actions derogate individuals based on inherent characteristics, justifying its placement on the list.

Following these challenging exchanges, Roy indicated he plans to propose legislation aimed at rescinding the SPLC’s tax-exempt status.

Turning Point’s spokesperson, Andrew Corbett, criticized Fair’s comments by calling them “a badge of honor” and responding with a stark dismissal of the SPLC. This hearing follows legal troubles for the SPLC, as it faces multiple indictments related to alleged fraudulent activities concerning donor funds.

Fair has refuted all allegations of impropriety, arguing that the Justice Department’s motives are politically charged. He also faced questions regarding the SPLC’s alleged bias, particularly concerning how it categorizes various extremist groups. When pressed about whether certain anti-Israel or Islamist factions had been labeled as extremists, Fair seemed to struggle with a response.

“Some assert that we’ve lost our focus,” he stated, emphasizing the SPLC’s central mission remains to strive for a fair society for everyone.

The hearing saw a mix of reactions, with Democrats largely defending the SPLC. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) praised the organization as a beacon of hope for many, indicating concerns about attempts to undermine it during the Trump administration.