The “Groyper” movement, characterized by far-right extremism, represents a notable faction within the American far-right. Led by white nationalist Nick Fuentes, this group seeks to push mainstream conservatism towards more extreme ideologies. Emerging prominently in 2019, the “Groyper Army,” as they are often called, has gained attention for confrontational tactics and the promotion of white supremacist, antisemitic, and anti-LGBTQ+ views. This article delves into the origins, activities, and impact of this controversial movement.
Who Is Involved?
At the forefront of the Groyper movement is Nick Fuentes, identified by the Southern Poverty Law Center as a white nationalist, far-right political commentator, and livestreamer. Fuentes is known for promoting antisemitic, racist, homophobic, and misogynistic views, including Holocaust denial. His followers, the Groypers, comprise a loosely defined collective of alt-right, white nationalist, and Christian nationalist activists and internet trolls. According to Wikipedia’s entry on “Groypers,” while Fuentes is the central figure, others have been associated with the movement.
Key Figures and Targets
Patrick Casey, a former leader of the American Identity Movement, was once associated with the Groypers before splintering from Fuentes. Conservative commentator Michelle Malkin has also spoken at Groyper-affiliated events. The Groypers primarily target mainstream conservative organizations and individuals, such as Turning Point USA and its founder Charlie Kirk, viewing them as insufficiently nationalist. Their opposition stems from a perception that these mainstream figures represent “Conservative Inc.” rather than genuine nationalist ideals.
What Happened During the Groyper Wars?
The Groyper movement gained significant notoriety in the fall of 2019 during the “Groyper Wars.” According to Newsweek, Fuentes’ followers actively disrupted college speaking tours hosted by groups like Turning Point USA. They challenged speakers on issues such as immigration, Israel, and LGBTQ+ rights, aiming to expose mainstream conservatives as “fake conservatives” who were insufficiently nationalist. These disruptions were a deliberate tactic to draw attention to their cause and create division within conservative circles.
Ideology and Core Beliefs
The movement’s ideology is deeply rooted in “America First” principles, Christian nationalism, white supremacy, and adherence to “traditional values.” They advocate for closed borders and strongly oppose immigration and globalism. The Groypers believe that shifting racial and cultural demographics pose an “existential threat to white European-American identity and culture,” as noted by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD). This belief underscores their motivation for disrupting mainstream conservative events and promoting their own agenda.
When Did the Movement Emerge?
The Groyper movement, as followers of Nick Fuentes, began to coalesce and gain recognition in 2019. The “Groyper Wars” took place in the fall of that year. In February 2020, Fuentes established the America First Political Action Conference (AFPAC) as a rival to the mainstream Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). According to Overland literary journal, this was a strategic move to create a platform for his views and attract like-minded individuals.
Recent Activities and Events
Members of the Groyper movement, including Fuentes, participated in the rallies leading up to and the January 6, 2021, United States Capitol attack. More recently, in August 2024, Fuentes declared a “new Groyper War” against Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, criticizing its direction. These actions demonstrate the ongoing efforts of the Groypers to influence political discourse and align it with their extremist views.
Where Does the Movement Operate?
The Groyper movement primarily operates within the United States, with its influence largely cultivated online across various social media platforms. Their disruptive tactics during the “Groyper Wars” often occurred on college campuses. Major events, such as AFPAC, have been held in locations like Washington D.C., and Fuentes himself was present at the rallies preceding the January 6th Capitol attack in the nation’s capital. Fuentes’ earlier activism also includes attendance at the 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Online Presence and Reach
The online realm serves as a critical space for the Groyper movement, allowing them to disseminate their ideology and organize activities. Social media platforms have been instrumental in their growth and reach, enabling them to connect with and influence a broader audience, particularly young men.
Why Did the Groyper Movement Arise?
The Groyper movement emerged in the wake of the alt-right’s decline, aiming to rebrand and normalize white nationalist ideas by attempting to integrate them into mainstream conservatism. Fuentes and his followers believe that mainstream conservative organizations are too weak and unwilling to confront perceived threats to “white America,” such as changing demographics and liberal values. They seek to push the Republican Party and American political institutions toward a more authoritarian, hard-right ideological stance.
Motivations and Goals
Their primary motivation is to shift the Overton window within conservative politics, making extreme views more acceptable and mainstream. By targeting mainstream conservatives and disrupting their events, the Groypers aim to expose what they see as insufficient commitment to nationalist principles.
How Does the Movement Impact the Political Landscape?
The Groypers employ tactics of entryism and radicalization, gradually introducing their extreme ideas to a wider audience. Online, they are highly active, utilizing memes (named after the “Groyper” cartoon amphibian, a variant of Pepe the Frog, as detailed by the American Jewish Committee) and engaging in targeted harassment campaigns. Fuentes has established AFPAC as an alternative platform to mainstream conservative conferences, attracting some Republican lawmakers and conservative pundits.
Influence and Tactics
The movement particularly targets young men, exploiting insecurities to draw them into their far-right ideology. While their direct electoral impact may be limited, the Groypers have succeeded in gaining national media attention for Fuentes and bolstering perceptions of his influence within certain segments of the far-right, demonstrating a continued effort to shift the boundaries of conservative discourse. According to the ISD, the “Groyper War” struggles to exert influence but paves the way for other bad actors.
Conclusion
The Groyper movement, under the leadership of Nick Fuentes, represents a concerted effort to inject white nationalist and far-right ideologies into mainstream American politics. Through confrontational tactics, online activism, and targeted recruitment, they seek to radicalize segments of the population and shift the conservative landscape further to the right. While their long-term impact remains to be seen, their activities and rhetoric continue to generate controversy and concern.
