Who Is David Duke? Former KKK Leader Endorses Jill Stein

David Duke, former leader of the Ku Klux Klan, endorsed Green Party nominee Jill Stein this week over Donald Trump, citing her stance on Israel. Self-described white nationalist and formerly American Nazi Party member Duke supported Trump in the 2016 and 2020 elections. On his radio program, he did, however, condemn Trump, charging him with "subservience to Israel and the Jewish lobby." Only Stein, according to Duke, is against Israel's "genocide" of Palestinians. “I endorse for president of the United States Green Party candidate, Dr. Jill Stein,” Duke stated, acknowledging that his support for a far-left candidate, who is also Jewish, would surprise his followers. He asserted that he gave careful thought to "what's good for white people, Europeans" before making this choice. The support, according to Duke, is "one of the most important statements" in his political career. He persisted in denouncing Trump, saying that the latter's steadfast backing of Israel rendered him a “puppet” of a “global Jewish conspiracy,” which, according to Duke, posed “the greatest threat to us and all mankind.” Stein's campaign quickly disassociated itself from Duke's support. Stein's campaign manager, Jason Call, denounced Duke, saying, "We are very, very not interested in David Duke's endorsement." He called Duke "trash" and made it clear that the campaign did not want any connection to him.Trump encountered criticism in 2016 for his hesitation to retract Duke's endorsement right away. Duke's choice to support Stein today indicates a change in his opinions on Middle East policy, particularly with reference to Israel.