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Fact check: What are the most prominent extremist groups in the US and their ideologies?

Checked on September 18, 2025

1. Summary of the results

The analyses provided highlight the presence of various extremist groups in the US, with differing ideologies and activities [1]. Right-wing extremism is identified as a significant threat, with groups such as the Ku Klux Klan, Aryan Nations, and Posse Comitatus promoting antisemitic, racist, and antifederalist beliefs [2]. The Proud Boys are also mentioned as a group involved in far-right violence, particularly in the January 6 attack [3]. Additionally, white supremacist and anti-government extremist groups are noted as categories of right-wing terrorism, with distinct ideologies and tactics [4]. The sources also discuss the connection between online hate speech and extremist acts, as well as efforts to combat online hate crimes [5]. However, the analyses do not provide a comprehensive list of prominent extremist groups in the US, and some sources focus on specific aspects of the issue, such as the threat environment [6] or the role of law enforcement [3].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Some sources do not specifically address the most prominent extremist groups in the US or their ideologies, instead focusing on related issues such as foreign terrorist organizations [7] or the National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin [6]. Other sources provide information on the threat environment, but do not identify specific groups or ideologies [8]. Furthermore, the analyses do not provide a clear definition of what constitutes an "extremist group" or how these groups are categorized, which could lead to confusion or inconsistencies in understanding the issue [1]. Alternative viewpoints, such as the perspective of law enforcement or community organizations, are not fully represented in the analyses, which could provide a more comprehensive understanding of the issue [3]. Additionally, the role of social media and online platforms in promoting or combating extremist ideologies is not fully explored in the analyses [5].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement asks about the most prominent extremist groups in the US and their ideologies, but does not provide context or definition for what constitutes an "extremist group" [1]. This lack of clarity could lead to misinformation or bias in the response, as different sources may have varying definitions or categorizations of extremist groups. Additionally, some sources may have a biased perspective or agenda, such as the Trump administration's plans to target left-wing groups [9], which could influence the information presented and lead to a skewed understanding of the issue. The sources also do not provide a balanced view of the issue, with some focusing primarily on right-wing extremism [2] and others on the threat environment [6], which could create an unbalanced narrative [4]. Overall, it is essential to consider multiple sources and perspectives to gain a comprehensive understanding of the issue and avoid potential misinformation or bias [1] [3] [4].

Want to dive deeper?
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Which US extremist groups have been involved in violent incidents since 2020?
How do US law enforcement agencies monitor and counter extremist groups?