White Nationalism in the Trump Era: Beliefs, Connections and Political Influence
By Mohamad Hammoud
Lebanon – White nationalism has resurfaced as a chilling force within American identity. Though rooted in the legacy of the Ku Klux Klan [KKK], it has adapted into a sleek, media-savvy movement. At its core lies a belief in white supremacy and racial purity. Its followers seek to remake the nation by restricting immigration and defining belonging by skin color. Far from preserving heritage, they aim to build a segregated future—an ideology fundamentally opposed to the principles of equality and inclusion.
Historical Roots and Connection to the KKK
The legacy of the Ku Klux Klan is foundational to white nationalism in America. Founded after the Civil War, the KKK was the nation’s first organized white supremacist group, determined to uphold white dominance through terror. Lynching, intimidation and violence were its tools, targeting African Americans, Jews, immigrants and other minorities. The Klan’s ideology asserted that America was-and should remain-a nation for white Christians, promoting a vision of racial purity and exclusion.
Although the KKK’s influence has waned since its early 20th-century peak, its core beliefs have not disappeared. Instead, white nationalism has evolved, giving rise to groups like the National Alliance, Aryan Nations, and, more recently, the alt-right. These organizations may differ in tactics and rhetoric, but they are united by the conviction that white identity must be defended against the increasing diversity of American society. The symbols, language, and rituals of the Klan remain embedded in these movements, creating an unbroken thread from past to present.
Religious Beliefs: Christianity, the Bible and “Israel”
Religion has long played a complex role in white nationalist ideology. Many adherents claim Christianity as their faith and draw heavily on religious symbolism to justify their beliefs. The KKK, for instance, presented itself as a Christian organization, making the cross its central symbol and weaving biblical references into its rituals. Their infamous cross burnings were described as “spreading the light of Christ,” while scripture was selectively cited to defend segregation and violence.
Within this broader movement, the fringe sect known as “Christian Identity” pushes these beliefs further, teaching that white Europeans are the true descendants of biblical Israelites, while Jews and people of color are cast as inferior or even “satanic.” This extremist theology has inspired acts of terrorism and hate crimes, and its influence lingers in certain white nationalist circles.
Yet, not all white nationalists are religious. The alt-right, for example, includes atheists and agnostics who focus more on race science and European paganism than Christianity. Still, there is significant overlap between white nationalism and white Christian nationalism—the belief that America is fundamentally a white, Christian nation. This fusion remains a powerful force in today’s political landscape.
White Nationalists and Trump’s Election
Donald Trump’s rise marked a turning point for white nationalism, pulling it from the political margins to the center of national discourse. During the 2016 election, figures like Richard Spencer and former KKK Grand Wizard David Duke openly endorsed Trump, attracted by his hardline stance on immigration, rejection of political correctness and “America First” rhetoric. Online platforms like 4chan and The Daily Stormer amplified his message, fusing white nationalist ideas with mainstream conservatism.
Though Trump did not openly court white nationalists, his refusal to clearly denounce them—especially after the 2017 “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville—was widely seen as tacit approval. Policies like the Muslim travel ban, family separations at the border, and attempts to end DACA reinforced white nationalist hopes that he was advancing their vision of preserving white demographic dominance.
White Nationalists’ Views on Jews and Trump’s Support for “Israel”
White nationalists are deeply anti-Semitic, embracing conspiracy theories about Jewish control over politics and media. They depict Jews as manipulative “puppet masters” behind immigration, multiculturalism, and the erosion of white society—a core claim of the “Great Replacement” theory. This ideology has incited violence, including the 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue shooting.
Ironically, their views clash with Trump’s strong pro-“Israel” stance. His administration recognized Al-Quds [“Jerusalem”] as “Israel’s” so-called capital and strengthened US-“Israeli” ties. Despite this, white nationalist anti-Semitism remained unshaken. Some white nationalists support Trump’s “Israel” policies for strategic reasons, seeing them as aligned with nationalism or ethnonationalism. However, their fundamental hostility toward Jews persists.
Conclusion
The resurgence of white nationalism during Trump represents a volatile blend of historical racism, religious distortion, and political opportunism. Its ideological roots in the KKK, the weaponization of Christianity, and an obsessive focus on anti-Semitic conspiracy theories are not relics—they are active threats. While still marginalized, the movement's increasing visibility and influence in the Trump era highlight the urgent need to confront its spread with clarity, vigilance, and an unwavering commitment to democratic values.
