Once, threats and calls for an armed militia movement to be at the ready, was a product of the far-right fringe. Now that rhetoric is coming from federal lawmakers and former president Donald Trump. That rhetoric has already encouraged militia members to take actions against the government.
The Military Times recently reported that “Two former Marines were sentenced to prison … for their participation in a plot to attack the U.S. power grid, …. A judge sentenced Liam Collins, 25, of Johnston, Rhode Island, to 10 years in prison. Justin Wade Hermanson, 25, of Swansboro, North Carolina, received a prison sentence of one year, nine months. Both men were part of a neo-Nazi group that sought to destroy transformers, substations and other components of the power grid at about a dozen locations across Idaho and its surrounding states.”
As reporter Nikki Wentling noted, “Collins was the leader of the neo-Nazi group, which communicated through the now-defunct web forum Iron March. He described the group as a ‘modern day SS’ that went hiking and camping together, did gym sessions and performed live-firing training exercises, according to federal indictments. Collins reportedly added that the group had planned to “buy a lot of land,” and posted that all members would be required to have served in the military.”
In May, Wired’s Tess Owens reported that “After lying low for several years in the aftermath of the US Capitol riot on January 6, militia extremists have been quietly reorganizing, ramping up recruitment and rhetoric on Facebook—with apparently little concern that Meta will enforce its ban against them, according to new research by the Tech Transparency Project, shared exclusively with WIRED.”
Earlier this year, Kevin Roberts, President of the Heritage Foundation, the key group behind Project 2025, told a podcaster: “We are in the process of a second American revolution, which will remain bloodless if the left allows it to be.”
Rhetoric by Donald Trump and his acolytes has led to a resurgence of right-wing hate groups and militia movements in the United States. These groups, driven by a mixture of conspiracy theories, anti-government sentiment, and white supremacist ideology, have seen a rise in membership and activity over the past decade. The increasing prevalence of these militias coincides with a polarized political climate, the spread of misinformation, and the growth of Donald Trump’s control over the Republican Party.
The Historical Context
The right-wing militia movement is not a new phenomenon. Its roots can be traced back to the post-Civil War era, with groups like the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) embodying early forms of organized, armed resistance to federal authority and civil rights advancements. However, the modern iteration of these militias began to take shape in the late 20th century, notably during the 1990s. This period saw a surge in anti-government sentiment, particularly following events such as the Ruby Ridge standoff in 1992 and the Waco siege in 1993. These incidents galvanized a segment of the population that viewed the federal government as an oppressive force infringing upon individual liberties.
The Oklahoma City bombing in 1995, perpetrated by Timothy McVeigh—a self-proclaimed militia sympathizer—was a demonstration of the lethal potential of these groups. This attack, which killed 168 people, remains one of the deadliest acts of domestic terrorism in U.S. history. Despite this, the movement persisted, largely operating on the fringes of society until a new wave of political and social upheaval provided fertile ground for its resurgence.
The Rise in the 21st Century
The election of Barack Obama in 2008 marked a significant turning point for right-wing militias. According to the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), the number of active militia groups grew from 42 in 2008 to 334 in 2011. The SPLC’s recent report documented 835 active anti-government groups, up 133 from2022’s count, and 595 hate groups, an increase of 72 over the previous year’s figure.
The election of Donald Trump in 2016 further emboldened these groups. Trump's rhetoric, often characterized by its blatant racism and his refusal to categorically condemn white supremacist groups, resonated with militia members who felt validated in their anti-establishment views. High-profile incidents during his presidency, such as the Charlottesville rally in 2017 and the plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer in 2020, underscored the increasingly visible and aggressive posture of these groups.
The Ideological Core
At the heart of the right-wing hate groups and militias lies a complex web of beliefs that coalesce around a few central tenets. These include a deep-seated mistrust of the federal government, a staunch belief in the Second Amendment as a bulwark against tyranny, and often, a commitment to preserving a perceived traditional American identity which often manifests itself in racist and xenophobic ideologies. The proliferation of conspiracy theories, particularly those spread through online platforms, has further fueled these beliefs. The QAnon conspiracy, for example, has found a receptive audience among militia members, intertwining with pre-existing anti-government and nationalist
The Threat to Democracy
The most alarming aspect of the right-wing militia movement is its potential to destabilize democratic processes and institutions. These groups often frame their actions as a form of patriotic resistance, positioning themselves as defenders of liberty against a corrupt and illegitimate government. This narrative can have dangerous real-world consequences, as evidenced by the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. The involvement of militia members in this insurrection highlighted their capacity for organized violence and their willingness to challenge the peaceful transfer of power—a cornerstone of American democracy.
Moreover, the rhetoric of Trump, warning of a bloodbath in the streets if he doesn’t win the presidential election, leads to the normalization of militia presence and activity. When heavily armed groups are perceived as legitimate actors in political discourse, it undermines the authority of elected officials and law enforcement, creating an environment where violence becomes an acceptable means of resolving political disputes.
Addressing the Challenge
Confronting the threat posed by right-wing hate groups and militias require a multifaceted approach. Law enforcement agencies need to be vigilant in monitoring and prosecuting illegal activities associated with these groups, ensuring that acts of violence and intimidation are met with swift and decisive action. Additionally, there needs to be a concerted effort to counter the spread of extremist ideologies online. Social media platforms and other digital spaces where these groups organize and recruit should be subject to stricter oversight and even regulation.
Addressing the underlying social and economic grievances that drive individuals towards hate groups may help reduce their appeal. However, right-wing hate groups and militias represent a significant and growing danger in the United States. Its ability to exploit societal divisions, propagate extremist ideologies, and engage in violent actions poses a direct challenge to democracy.
