A Ploy, Not a Principle
AtlanticDec 24, 2022
Trump Criticized for Meeting with Far-Right Nick Fuentes
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Image copyright: Joe Raedle/Getty Images
The Facts
A number of prominent Republicans have joined Democrats in criticizing former Pres. Donald Trump for meeting with Nick Fuentes, a political commentator accused of being a white nationalist and anti-Semite, at his Mar-a-Lago residence.
The meeting occurred last week during a dinner Trump was hosting between himself and Kanye West, who has generated controversy recently due to comments that have largely been perceived as anti-Semitic. According to Trump, Fuentes accompanied West without his prior knowledge.
The Spin
Pro-Trump narrative
This dinner was a mistake, but Trump simply didn't realize that Fuentes would be attending. Trump and West have had a strong relationship for years, and the former president just wanted to help a friend who is clearly going through an episode of bad mental health. Trump doesn't endorse the views of people like Fuentes.
Democratic narrative
Trump is yet again flirting with white nationalism. Though he and his supporters are claiming that he didn't know that Fuentes would be attending the dinner, meeting with West after his recent anti-semitic remarks was a bad move anyway. Republicans need to disavow people like Fuentes and West, and make clear that racism and antisemitism have no place in the GOP.
