The Nexus Newsletter: Watchdog Edition
Across the country, the mask is slipping. Antisemites are gaining influence in politics, the far right is rebuilding its militias, and extremist rhetoric is being rewarded with power. The same institutions that once claimed to protect democracy are now giving cover to those who threaten it.
The fact that these threats are becoming visible means we can address them. Sunlight remains the best disinfectant, and awareness is the first step toward meaningful action. Each story this week demonstrates why vigilance matters—and why informed, committed people working together can protect the values we hold dear.
Our work continues with renewed purpose: identifying real threats, educating the public, and supporting those who stand for justice and democracy.
Donald Trump was asked this week whether he condemns Nick Fuentes, the Holocaust denier who praised Hitler, called for a “holy war against Jews,” and led a mob to harass Jewish journalists. He refused to answer.
Two weeks earlier, Tucker Carlson gave Fuentes two hours of airtime to spread conspiracies about “organized Jewry” controlling America. The Heritage Foundation defended the interview as “free speech.” Fuentes called for a “Catholic autocracy” and mocked Holocaust remembrance. Carlson called him “enormously talented.”
Trump’s silence sends a clear signal to his base. Refusing to reject antisemitism at the top normalizes it throughout the movement’s ranks.
Stewart Rhodes, who served 18 years for seditious conspiracy and whose sentence was commuted by Trump, announced that he is relaunching the Oath Keepers. He told The Gateway Pundit that the militia will be “stronger than ever” and should be ready to act under the Insurrection Act at Trump’s command.
The Oath Keepers helped coordinate the January 6 attack. Their revival with presidential approval shows that paramilitary organizing is no longer a fringe activity. It is being rebuilt as part of a political structure.
Within days of Trump’s refusal to condemn Fuentes, Rhodes began recruiting again. The connection is clear: permission from above fuels organization below.
Paul Ingrassia, who admitted in texts that he had a “Nazi streak,” was rewarded with a new government post after withdrawing from a previous nomination over those same messages. Trump personally called him to offer a new role as deputy general counsel at the General Services Administration.
His earlier nomination failed when both parties said his conduct was unacceptable. This time, it was treated as irrelevant. Loyalty to the movement mattered more than fitness for public service.
Each appointment like this sends a signal about which ideologies are acceptable within government.
The Guardian: Our response to the ADL’s “Mamdani Monitor” noted that the initiative risks creating division and pulling attention away from the rise in far-right antisemitism. Our full statement is available here.
Washington Jewish Week: Ella Messler spoke about her path to the Nexus Project and the kind of Jewish advocacy this moment requires, reflecting the conviction and openness that guide our work.
The Jerusalem Post: Jonathan Jacoby urged Jewish leaders to confront authoritarian threats and respond with clarity to the Trump administration’s growing hostility toward civil society.
While national leaders normalize antisemitism, we continue to see both direct attacks and the ongoing weaponization of its meaning at every level.
Brooklyn, NY: Shortly after the mayoral election, three Jewish institutions in Brooklyn, including a yeshiva, cemetery, and social services center, were vandalized with red swastikas. Officials, including Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, condemned the attacks as “assaults on sacred spaces.”
Starkville, MS: Police have charged a man who shouted antisemitic slurs and threw coins at Barstool Sports’ Dave Portnoy during a live pizza review. A hate-crime enhancement is under consideration.
Laramie, WY: Students at the University of Wyoming carved pumpkins with Nazi symbols and SS bolts and scrawled “Kill Jews” on a public display. Investigations are underway for civil rights violations.
Weston, MA: Swastikas were found in multiple classrooms and bathrooms at local middle and high schools. The superintendent pledged new district-wide anti-hate initiatives in response.
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This is what we do: track real antisemitism, call out when it’s weaponized, and make clear the difference. If you’d like to support this work, you can donate here. We’d love to connect.
We’ll continue offering clear responses, frameworks, and resources as these stories develop.
