Anti-Defamation League (ADL) – Bias and Credibility

These media sources have a slight to moderate liberal bias.  They often publish factual information that utilizes loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by appeals to emotion or stereotypes) to favor liberal causes.  These sources are generally trustworthy for information but may require further investigation.  See all Left-Center sources.

• Overall, we rate the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Left-Center biased based on political positions that mostly favor progressive liberal policy. We rate them Mostly Factual in reporting due to proper sourcing and a general commitment to evidence-based information, while noting that the organization has faced legitimate criticism for inconsistent civil rights advocacy, particularly regarding pro-Palestinian activism and student protests.

Detailed Report

Bias Rating: LEFT-CENTER (-4.4)
Factual Reporting: MOSTLY FACTUAL (2.5)
Country: USA
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Organization/Foundation
Traffic/Popularity: Medium Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY

History

Founded in 1913, The Anti-Defamation League is an international Jewish non-governmental organization based in the United States. Describing itself as “the nation’s premier civil rights/human relations agency,” the ADL states that it “fights antisemitism and all forms of bigotry, defends democratic ideals and protects civil rights for all,” doing so through “information, education, legislation, and advocacy.” The ADL states their mission as “To stop the defamation of the Jewish people, and to secure justice and fair treatment to all…”

Read our profile on the United States government and media.

Funded by / Ownership

The Anti-Defamation League is a nonprofit that is funded through donations. They do not disclose donors.

Analysis / Bias

In review, the Anti-Defamation League is an organization that advocates against bigotry and for civil rights. While the focus is on antisemitism, they cover all religious, racial, and ethnic hate. The website produces a blog and articles that utilize minimal loaded words such as this: How Facebook and Twitter Help Amplify Fringe Websites. This article is correctly sourced to credible media outlets such as the BBC and The Guardian. The blog also reports news related to the ADL’s mission, such as this: FBI Arrests White Supremacist Conor Climo, Who Reportedly Targeted Jews, LGBTQ Community.

The ADL has a section called “Media Watch” in which they respond to media organizations who report false or questionable information such as this: Letter to the New York Times Regarding Editorial on Silencing Hate Speech. Finally, the ADL publishes op-eds that appear in newspapers and media. Editorially, there is a left-leaning bias and unfavorable reporting on President Donald Trump, such as this: White Supremacist Terror is Rising, and Trump’s Policies Kneecap Our Ability to Fight Back.

The organization also supports liberal policies such as a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, same-sex marriage, and the DREAM Act. However, the ADL has come under criticism from left-wing groups and civil rights advocates for its stance on pro-Palestinian activism. For example, Jewish Voice for Peace published a critique alleging that the ADL undermines civil rights work by labeling Palestinian advocacy as antisemitism. This criticism intensified in 2024–2025, when ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt stated on CNN, “We’re not sort of public defenders for some of the Hamasniks on these college campuses,” in response to questions about the deportation and detention of pro-Palestinian protesters.

This comment and the ADL’s refusal to advocate for the civil liberties of these students sparked backlash and calls for disassociation from the ADL within segments of the progressive and Jewish activist communities.

In general, ADL reports news with a left-leaning bias and uses credible sources. However, its editorial and political advocacy has increasingly drawn criticism from both the right and the left, reflecting the organization’s complex position in contemporary political discourse.

Failed Fact Checks

• None in the Last 5 years

Overall, we rate the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Left-Center biased based on political positions that mostly favor progressive liberal policy. We rate them Mostly Factual in reporting due to proper sourcing and a general commitment to evidence-based information, while noting that the organization has faced legitimate criticism for inconsistent civil rights advocacy, particularly regarding pro-Palestinian activism and student protests. (D. Van Zandt 10/6/2016) Updated (04/24/2025)

Source: https://www.adl.org