Alveda King, niece of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., testified before the House Judiciary Committee on June 9, 2026, addressing allegations against the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). She claimed that the SPLC has financially supported extremist groups it publicly opposes, including white supremacist and neo-Nazi organizations. King emphasized the need for transparency regarding donations made to the SPLC, stating that donors deserve to know how their contributions are utilized.
King's testimony referenced a federal indictment suggesting that individuals associated with groups labeled as hate organizations by the SPLC received significant payments from the organization. She expressed concern over the SPLC's practices, stating, "I am troubled by the conduct and messaging of organizations that claim to fight hatred while profiteering from division."
The SPLC has faced scrutiny in the past, including the ousting of co-founder Morris Dees in 2019 amid allegations of sexual harassment and racial discrimination. Critics, including Rep. Jim Jordan, have accused the SPLC of using its hate group designations to enhance fundraising efforts rather than genuinely combat extremism. King also rejected the idea that individuals with traditional Christian beliefs should be labeled as threats due to differing political views. She concluded her testimony by calling for unity and truth, stating, "We must speak out for truth and against the forces that would manufacture hate, fear, division, and violence simply to line their pockets and further their political ambitions."