Hard-right groups have expanded their influence across US government, report finds

An extensive report by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) reveals a substantial expansion of influence by hard-right groups across various levels of the US government. The findings emerge at a critical juncture, as the SPLC itself is currently navigating federal fraud charges.

The report, published on Tuesday, meticulously documented the growing reach of extremist organizations. It identified 1,263 hate and anti-government groups that were active throughout 2025. This detailed cataloging highlights the increasing prevalence and impact of these groups on the political landscape.

The SPLC's research comes less than two months after the organization was indicted by the government. The SPLC alleges that the very governmental structures it studies have been infiltrated by the hard right. This dual situation places the SPLC at the center of a complex debate about civil rights, government integrity, and the influence of extremist ideologies in the United States.

The findings serve as a stark warning about the consolidation of power by groups often associated with anti-government sentiments and hate speech. The report's release underscores ongoing concerns about the health of democratic institutions and the challenges of combating the spread of extremism within governmental bodies.