Conversely, the number of anti-government groups rose to 838, reflecting an increasing belief among these groups that the federal government is 'tyrannical,' particularly among militias and self-described sovereign citizens.

The report also documented a rise in male supremacy, with 16 groups now focused on misogyny and strict gender roles, partly influenced by the historic candidacy of Kamala Harris.

Despite facing criticism and lawsuits from conservatives regarding its designations of hate groups, the SPLC continues its advocacy for justice and education against prejudice.

The report also described how far-right groups have attempted to undermine democracy through disinformation and threats against election workers, contributing to a climate of fear.

Overall, while the SPLC reported a decline in the number of white nationalist groups, it emphasized that this does not equate to a reduction in the overall influence of extremist ideologies in society.

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) recently released its annual report on hate and extremist groups in the U.S., revealing a slight decrease in their numbers but an increase in their societal influence.

In 2024, the SPLC counted 1,371 hate and extremist groups, marking a 5% decrease from the previous year, which is attributed to the normalization of their beliefs in politics and mainstream discourse.

The report noted that active hate groups numbered 533 last year, including anti-LGBTQ+, anti-immigrant, antisemitic, and anti-Muslim factions, showing a steady decline from a peak of 1,021 in 2018.

This decrease in group numbers is linked to a growing acceptance of advocacy against diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, as well as protests against drag story hours.

The report's release coincided with a hate crime incident involving Aki Maehara, a professor who was severely injured in a hit-and-run, underscoring ongoing issues of hate-based violence in the U.S.

Maehara, who reported hearing a racial slur before being struck, has become a symbol of violence associated with hate groups, with a GoFundMe campaign raising nearly $80,000 to support his recovery.

The SPLC highlighted methods of influence used by these groups, including calls for bans on diversity initiatives and the promotion of extremist ideologies in political and educational contexts.