Press Release

ADL: Reports of Sheriff David Clarke Being Offered Position at DHS Are “a Matter of Serious Concern”

Urges Trump Administration Not to Go Forward With Appointment

New York, NY, May 18, 2017 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today expressed deep concern over reports that Milwaukee County Sheriff David A. Clarke, Jr. is likely being considered for an appointment as an Assistant Secretary in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

“The possible appointment of Sheriff David Clarke to a senior position at DHS should be a matter of serious concern, as he has clear well-documented ties to anti-government extremists and a troubling history of highly offensive rhetoric,” said Jonathan A. Greenblatt, ADL CEO. “The fact that Sheriff Clarke may be assuming a key role at DHS is not only dangerous but highly shameful.

“An individual representing such extremist ideologies should not be given this type of leadership role and we urge the Trump administration not to go forward with this appointment,” Mr. Greenblatt added.

According to ADL’s Center on Extremism, as recently last year, Clarke expanded his ties with anti-government extremist groups, including the Oath Keepers, a growing anti-government extremist group whose avowed purpose is to enlist current and former military, police, and first responder personnel into its ranks in order to oppose a supposedly “tyrannical” government.