White supremacist Richard Spencer, once an ardent supporter of Donald Trump, has announced his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris for president.
Spencer, known for his hateful rhetoric and controversial history—including his role in the violent 2017 Charlottesville rally—called Harris “the best manager of the American empire,” expressing a preference for her stance on foreign policy.
Spencer, who has historically praised Trump, now criticizes him for being overly supportive of Israel. He contrasts Trump’s approach with Harris’s nuanced stance, noting she “wants to be all things to all people” regarding Israel. Spencer quoted Harris’s support for Israel while also acknowledging “the suffering is tremendous” and affirming Palestinians’ right to statehood.
“I have criticisms of that,” Spencer admitted, “but nevertheless, I find that better than Donald Trump.”
Spencer believes Harris represents a shift towards “centrism” and “rational government,” describing this as a trend he can “responsibly support.” He cited Harris’s openness to U.S. support for Ukraine as another reason for his endorsement.
Though the endorsement has raised eyebrows, it’s not the first instance of a white nationalist praising a left-leaning candidate. David Duke, former Ku Klux Klan leader, previously praised Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar.
Spencer expressed frustration with Trump’s approach to policy, saying, “Trump has closed off discussion of important ideas” and instead “amplified idiocy.” Spencer stated he plans to vote for Democrats on his state ballot, including Montana Sen. John Tester.
