A whistleblower has alleged that a justice department lawyer working under acting US attorney general Todd Blanche pressured federal prosecutors to file criminal charges against the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), despite concerns about the strength of the case. The accusation was detailed in a letter sent on Friday by House Democrats Jamie Raskin and Mary Gay Scanlon, who also announced they are opening an investigation into the matter.
Pressured to Rush Indictment
According to the letter, Aakash Singh, an associate deputy attorney general, “ordered” prosecutors in Alabama “to rush through the indictment of the SPLC, despite serious concerns about the strength of the case.” The letter was first reported by MS Now. Blanche himself announced the 11-count indictment on 21 April, accusing the civil rights organization of wire fraud, making false statements to a bank, and conspiracy to launder money. The charges relate to a now-defunct program in which the SPLC paid informants to infiltrate extremist groups and shared information with law enforcement.
Weak Case and Political Motives
The SPLC has denied all wrongdoing, and legal experts have described the charges as weak. Many observers view the indictment as part of Blanche’s effort to demonstrate to Donald Trump that he can use the justice department to target political rivals, as he seeks a permanent appointment as attorney general. The US attorney for the middle district of Alabama declined to comment, and the justice department did not respond to a request for comment.
Deleted Social Media Post
Following publication of the MS Now story, the justice department posted on X that it had “methodically built the case for YEARS” and that the “U.S. Attorney PERSONALLY presented the case and would not have done so without full confidence.” The post was later deleted without explanation.
Singh’s Role as Enforcer
Singh, 33, has emerged as a key figure under Blanche, willing to push department personnel to pursue political rivals. Earlier this year, he told federal prosecutors that Trump was their “chief client” and that anyone uncomfortable should step aside, according to Bloomberg Law. Last year, he reportedly encouraged prosecutors to investigate a group funded by George Soros and suggested a wide range of criminal charges. He has also supported cracking down on protesters and was involved in the push to prosecute Kilmar Ábrego García.
False Statements and Legal Action
Since the indictment, Trump, Blanche, and other allies have made numerous false or misleading statements about the SPLC, including claims that the organization funded vast amounts of rightwing extremism and never shared information with law enforcement. Earlier this week, SPLC lawyers filed for a court order to block the government from making further prejudicial statements against the organization.
