“Weaponized by Dangerous Forces”: NAACP Warns as DOJ Targets Southern Poverty Law Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 21, 2026
Contact: Chyna Fields, [email protected]

WASHINGTON - Following the U.S. Department of Justice's unprecedented indictment of the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson issued a stark warning about the administration's escalating efforts to criminalize civil rights advocacy and attack organizations that protect people from hate, violence, and discrimination.

"Trump's DOJ has been weaponized by dangerous forces. Every organization and individual engaged in social justice should be alarmed. What we are seeing in real time is an administration seeking to leverage its position to target individuals and organizations that do not agree with its political thought. The NAACP is a part of that community, but our work will remain the same - advocating to ensure equal protection for all Americans is achievable. That won't change for us."

SPLC is the latest target in the DOJ's coordinated attack on the civil rights movement and democracy itself, following actions such as Executive Orders calling for an end to DEIA programs and the dismissal of significant litigation and pending settlement agreements by the Civil Rights Division. This is the same administration that has pardoned January 6 insurrectionists - including individuals tied to white supremacist and paramilitary groups - while calling longstanding civil rights laws "discrimination" and portraying civil rights work itself as criminal.

Nonprofits, NGOs, unions, faith-based groups, etc., strengthen our democracy because they influence and often implement public policy and provide essential services in support of and sometimes in lieu of government action. The NAACP stands in solidarity with SPLC and all organizations facing retaliation for their civil rights work and their efforts to keep all communities safe.

We urge all advocates to speak out across every channel, and we encourage all voters to make their voices heard at the November midterm elections. Learn more about how NAACP is advancing civil rights at naacp.org.

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About NAACP

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund - also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.