New Report Shows U.S.-based Pro-Palestinian Groups Increasingly Posting Anti-American Narratives

A new report by the Capital Research Center, "When Charities Betray America," explores the growing anti-American radicalization within pro-Palestinian groups.

A new report by investigative researcher Ryan Mauro published by the Capital Research Center, titled When Charities Betray America, highlights a troubling surge in anti-American rhetoric among "pro-Palestinian" groups and activists in the United States since the October 7th Hamas attack on Israel.

The report details how many of these organizations, often operating under the guise of peaceful charities or student groups, have broadened their platforms to include not only vocal criticism of Israel but also broader anti-Western ideologies. These include anti-police sentiment, antisemitism, and calls for violence.

According to the findings, these movements are becoming increasingly entrenched, raising concerns about the long-term implications of their radicalization and its potential to incite violence and division in broader political and social causes.

In the months since the October 7th attack, the use of anti-American and anti-police rhetoric by pro-Palestinian groups surged by 186 percent, with posts on platforms like X and TikTok receiving over 23 million views and 4.2 million engagements. Additionally, posts endorsing violence skyrocketed by 3,000 percent, signaling a rapid radicalization within the movement.

Views and Engagement level of Anti-American posts on Social Media by”Pro-Palestine” groups. Credit - Capital Research Center

Expanding the Agenda

The report examines the evolution of the "pro-Palestinian" movement in the wake of the recent conflict between Hamas and Israel. It reveals that many organizations within this movement are no longer focusing solely on Palestinian issues but have also adopted stances that promote hostility toward the U.S. and its allies.

“The broadening of the 'pro-Palestinian' movement’s agenda to include siding with Western adversaries in conflicts around the world and advocating for defunding the police indicates the movement has become a permanent presence,” the report states.

This shift in focus suggests that even if the immediate political attention surrounding Israel and Palestine wanes, the ideology espoused by these groups will continue to thrive, potentially reshaping the broader political landscape in the United States. The report points out that these groups have increasingly sought to align themselves with global adversaries of the West, like China and Iran, while simultaneously promoting domestic agendas that challenge American institutions, such as defunding the police and dismantling law enforcement systems.

Screenshot of an Anti-American poster posted by activist group CodePink on their Instagram for the 4th of July, Credit - codepinkalert on Instagram

Radicalization and Long-Term Impact

The growing radicalization of these groups, the report warns, is likely to have far-reaching consequences. By intertwining causes like anti-police sentiment with anti-American and anti-Israel rhetoric, these organizations may destabilize broader social movements and contribute to violence and division in American society. As the report explains, “the observed radicalization will likely continue into the indefinite future and incite violence, hatred, bigotry, and criminality into other contentious causes.”

The report’s findings suggest that this movement is not a temporary reaction to the geopolitical events surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict. Rather, it is evolving into a more permanent and pervasive presence in the U.S. The report further states, “It will not fade when issues surrounding Israelis and Palestinians lose prominence. Instead, it will attempt to preserve and expand its infrastructure by exploiting popular causes and inserting anti-Americanism, hatred of Israel, anti-Semitism, anti-Westernism, and anti-police bigotry into those causes’ narratives.”

These developments are likely to perpetuate a cycle of radicalization that could continue to influence public opinion and social movements in ways that support division rather than unity.

Charities and Student Groups in the Spotlight

Perhaps most concerning is the report’s revelation that many of the activists and groups involved in promoting this radical agenda are officially recognized as charities or student organizations. These groups, which operate under nonprofit status or benefit from institutional support, have used their platforms to disseminate violent and divisive rhetoric.

"Shockingly, many of the groups and individuals who used the keywords denoting calls for violence or hatred of America or the police are officially 'charities' or projects of charities, or they enjoy the benefits of official status as student groups at colleges that are either private charities or government institutions," the report states. This connection between charity status and radicalization has raised serious concerns about the role of such organizations in promoting extremist ideologies while benefiting from tax-exempt status and public support.

While the organizations claim to focus on humanitarian goals, such as advocating for Palestinian rights, the report suggests that their actions are far from aligned with their purported mission. “The groups in question define themselves as pro-Palestinian, but we do not concede that such extremist groups are genuinely pursuing an agenda that would benefit innocent Palestinians,” the report states.

Comparison of Anti-American Keywords in Social Media posts by “Pro-Palestine” groups. Credit - Capital Research Center

Anti-Americanism on the Rise

The report’s most alarming finding is the rise in anti-Americanism within these groups, which has become a central theme in their rhetoric. This surge in hostile rhetoric signals a troubling shift from a focus on Palestinian issues to a broader agenda of anti-Western and anti-U.S. sentiment. According to the report, many of these "pro-Palestinian" groups have increasingly adopted a hostile stance toward the U.S. and its institutions, echoing global anti-Western narratives. This rhetoric includes calls to dismantle systems of policing and law enforcement, an agenda that has gained traction in some social and political circles.

The report underscores that these groups are now a significant force, and their ideology is embedded in popular causes. By aligning themselves with broader progressive movements while promoting radical views on Israel, the U.S., and the police, these groups are not only seeking to expand their influence but are also redefining the national discourse on security, law enforcement, and foreign policy.

A Permanent Presence?

The Capital Research Center’s report warns that the radicalization of “pro-Palestinian” groups in the U.S. is unlikely to diminish in the near future. With the rise of anti-American sentiment and the spread of extreme ideologies across various causes, the U.S. could face a long-term challenge in countering these movements. The report concludes with a stark warning: “This radicalization will likely continue to have a divisive impact on American society, potentially inciting violence, bigotry, and criminality.”

As the movement gains momentum and institutional support, it raises critical questions about the role of charitable organizations and student groups in fostering extremist rhetoric. These groups, the report argues, should be held accountable for the impact they have on public discourse and national security. Whether or not these radical groups will continue to thrive as a permanent force remains to be seen, but their presence is already reshaping the landscape of political activism in America.