FBI severs ties with ADL, Patel cites Comey’s past role, agent embeds
3 Min Read
The FBI cut ties with the ADL as Director Kash Patel accused James Comey of embedding agents in the group, sparking debate over law enforcement’s links with advocacy.
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FBI Director Kash Patel speaks with Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., as he appears before the House Judiciary Committee, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. (AP)
The FBI has formally ended its partnership with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a move Director Kash Patel announced on X, attributing the decision to former director James Comey’s previous links to the group. Patel alleged that Comey embedded bureau agents within the ADL.
“James Comey wrote ‘love letters’ to the ADL and embedded FBI agents with them – a group that ran disgraceful ops spying on Americans,” Patel wrote. “That era is OVER. This FBI won’t partner with political fronts masquerading as watchdogs.”
James Comey wrote “love letters” to the ADL and embedded FBI agents with them - a group that ran disgraceful ops spying on Americans.
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) October 1, 2025
That era is OVER. This FBI won’t partner with political fronts masquerading as watchdogs. pic.twitter.com/R6IKpSTfuP
The ADL, whose stated mission is “combating hate and providing anti-bias resources,” has faced growing criticism from groups who accuse it of overreaching in its monitoring of political opponents. Patel’s break with the organization underscores concerns over the overlap between law enforcement and advocacy.
The announcement came just days after Comey was indicted by a federal grand jury in Virginia on two felony charges tied to his 2020 Senate testimony.
Wider context
Comey, who led the FBI from 2013 to 2017, oversaw high-profile investigations, such as the probe into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 US election. His tenure remains divisive, with supporters praising his defense of FBI independence and critics faulting his handling of politically sensitive cases.
Prosecutors allege Comey misled lawmakers by denying that he had authorized FBI officials to speak anonymously to reporters, and that he obstructed a Senate inquiry. He has rejected the allegations, insisting, “Let’s have a trial.”
The FBI’s collaboration with the ADL has roots stretching back decades, particularly in joint training and efforts against hate crimes and domestic extremism. Patel said such partnerships blurred the line between law enforcement and advocacy, an issue the bureau is now reviewing more broadly, which Comey considered "the cost to standing up to Donald Trump."
Dive deeper
Comey, in a video statement on September 26, said, “My family and I have known for years that there are costs to standing up to Donald Trump, but we couldn't imagine ourselves living any other way. We will not live on our knees, and you shouldn’t either. My heart is broken for the Department of Justice, but I have great confidence in the federal judicial system, and I’m innocent, so let's have a trial and keep the faith.”
Comey’s arraignment is scheduled for October 9, 2025, in federal court. Pretrial motions and discovery are expected in the coming months. Meanwhile, the FBI has said it is reviewing all outside partnerships to preserve independence and avoid perceptions of political influence.
