By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts, a key figure in Project 2025, has labeled white nationalist commentator Nick Fuentes a “friend” of Republicans, despite Fuentes’ history of antisemitic and anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, including praise for Hitler. Roberts defended Tucker Carlson’s recent interview with Fuentes, arguing against the “canceling” of Fuentes and suggesting a focus on left-leaning political adversaries. This stance has drawn criticism from figures like Senator Ted Cruz, who condemned Carlson’s interview and Roberts’ defense. Fuentes, known for his far-right views and involvement in the January 6th Capitol insurrection, has a history of controversial statements and clashes with other conservatives.
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Project 2025’s creator calls neo-Nazi Nick Fuentes a “friend” of Republicans. Republicans are increasingly warming up to neo-Nazis, which honestly feels like a statement that barely scratches the surface of what’s happening. It’s hard to ignore the uncomfortable truth that this isn’t some new phenomenon, but rather a deepening of a relationship that has been brewing for quite a while. We’re not seeing a “warming up,” we’re seeing the open embrace of a dangerous ideology.
The connection isn’t just a matter of coincidence or happenstance. Project 2025, which itself seems aimed at dismantling democracy in favor of a more authoritarian, even fascist, system, is a key piece of the puzzle. The fact that its creator is openly associating with and even calling a neo-Nazi like Nick Fuentes a “friend” highlights the dangerous direction in which this project, and the broader Republican party, is heading.
It’s crucial to acknowledge that this isn’t just about a few bad apples. The Republican party has been steadily moving towards this point, with visible milestones like the 2017 Charlottesville rally serving as a stark reminder of their trajectory. This isn’t a gradual process; it’s the culmination of decades of tolerance and, at times, outright acceptance of extremist views within the party.
The rhetoric has become increasingly bold and unapologetic. Public displays of neo-Nazi symbols, open endorsements of hateful ideologies, and a willingness to associate with figures who promote such views are no longer fringe occurrences. They are increasingly becoming commonplace, and we are witnessing it across various public platforms.
This shift isn’t just about political strategy; it’s about a fundamental change in the values and beliefs of the Republican party. The party seems willing to compromise its principles for a power grab, courting the support of extremist groups and individuals to achieve its goals.
We can see instances of support for antisemitic white supremacists for decades. And now, as they’ve obtained control, they are dropping any pretense of hiding their affiliations.
The implications of this are frightening. The normalization of neo-Nazism within a major political party undermines the very foundations of our democracy. It sends a message that hate speech and violence are acceptable, creating a dangerous environment for minorities, immigrants, and anyone who doesn’t conform to their narrow ideology.
It’s not just about what they say. It’s about the actions they take. We see it in their policies, their appointments, and their willingness to embrace those who openly espouse hatred. It’s about who they choose to stand with and who they choose to condemn.
The rise of Christian nationalism, with its roots in Confederate and Nazi ideologies, further complicates the situation. It creates a breeding ground for intolerance and discrimination, fueling the flames of extremism.
The reality is this has been occurring a long time. People have been calling it out. It is no longer possible to pretend it isn’t happening, or that it’s somehow normal. It’s not. It shouldn’t be. This is a clear and present danger to our democracy and our way of life.