Congressional Black Caucus Statement on Sham DOJ Charges Against Southern Poverty Law Center

Congressional Black Caucus Chair Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) and members of the Congressional Black Caucus issued the following statement:

“The Trump Administration’s indictment of the Southern Poverty Law Center amounts to nothing more than a baseless political smear.

“For decades, the Southern Poverty Law Center has fought against white supremacy, hate, and extremism in our country, working tirelessly to protect vulnerable communities and defend the rule of law. Their work combating extremism and the Trump Administration’s ongoing threats to our multiracial democracy has unfortunately — but predictably — put them on the right wing’s hit list.

“Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche, who is wielding the authority of the DOJ as an arm of President Trump’s retribution campaign to smear the SPLC, has disgraced our nation’s leading law enforcement agency. This sham indictment against the SPLC cannot be viewed in isolation. It is part of the Trump Administration’s continued weaponization of our justice system against civil society organizations, journalists, politicians, and other political opponents. This corruption of our nation’s law enforcement agencies is dangerous and unacceptable.

“The Congressional Black Caucus stands fully in support of the SPLC, which we are confident will overcome this baseless attack. We will not allow this Administration to succeed in its efforts to intimidate and silence those who speak out against hate. In due time, we will hold those responsible to account."