The Perpetual Scapegoat: Anti-Semitism in the Ideology and Activities of Hate Groups in the United States Pre- & Post- Trump’s Election

This chapter explores the antisemitic undertone in the ideology and activities of white supremacist hate groups in the United States before, during and after the 2016 United States presidential election. After examining the historical movement, we highlight the strategies of the contemporary movement and how hate groups have capitalized on President Trump’s rhetoric. We demonstrate how an interchange between the political, virtual and social spheres has allowed hate groups to alter their tactics in order to attract a wider base. In doing so, we explain how antisemitism became a major theme during the 2017 “Right to Unite” rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, when the manifest purpose of the organized protest was to stop the removal of a Confederate statue. Lastly, we conclude by offering tactics and strategies to combat the growing influence of the white supremacy movement and hate groups.