Donald Trump’s team received a warning that the COVID-19 outbreak would cause a spike in extremism. But despite the advance notice, Trump still supported groups like the extremist Proud Boys during the presidential election.
ABC News reports that the Department of Homeland Security received a warning memo about extremism and COVID in spring of 2020.
“The outbreak of Covid-19, and government’s response to it, have intensified concerns that could accelerate mobilization to violence with extended periods of social distancing,” the shocking memo revealed. “The increase in mass gatherings, combined with the lengthy social isolation and other life stressors” could lead to violent upheavals, the memo further warned.
In spite of the memo, Trump and his team repeatedly stoked the fires of extremism throughout 2020.
Trump was widely condemned for telling the Proud Boys to “stand back” and “stand by” during his debate with now-President Joe Biden.
Trump also chose to praise Kyle Rittenhouse, the right-winger who shot and killed two people in Kenosha, Wisconsin during racial justice protests.
One of the first political bloggers in the world, Oliver Willis has operated OliverWillis.com since 2000. Contributor at Media Matters for America and The American Independent. Follow on Twitter at @owillis. Full bio.