This 'sinister’ far-right men-only club is 'trying to take over society': report

06 July

A NYPD officer stands in front of an image of Donald Trump outside Madison Square Garden on the day of Trump's rally, in New York, U.S., October 27, 2024. REUTERS/David Dee Delgado TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

A Guardian investigation has uncovered a growing network of far-right, men-only fraternal clubs across the United States — known collectively as the Old Glory Club (OGC). Members of this group claim the involvement of “literally hundreds” of individuals, including current and former military personnel, civil servants, lawyers, and influential voices in antisemitic circles.

In a report published Saturday, the Guardian reported that the OGC has established at least 26 chapters in 20 states. It had been operating largely under the radar until now.

The OGC has reportedly hosted various conferences, meetups, and other events. The purpose of these gatherings is to provide a platform for its leading members — such as podcaster Pete Quinones — to promote far-right narratives targeting Jewish people and immigrants, per the report.

The investigation further revealed that some within the group also respond to current political developments and support ideas like “cancellation insurance” to protect members whose extremist beliefs might jeopardize their careers.

Harry Shukman, a researcher with UK anti-fascist organization Hope Not Hate, recently published a report on the Basketweavers —an OGC-linked group in the UK. He told the Guardian: “Groups such as the OGC are a new breed of extremist organisation which aims first to build an offline social network before taking over society.”

“They seek to lower the bar to participating in the far right, and by doing so have proved attractive to a cohort of mostly male members, some of whom have never before undertaken any form of activism," he added.

During a livestream hosted by the Old Glory Club following the general election in November last year, Quinones used a racial slur commonly employed by white nationalists to describe Black voters, stating: “The North American street ape is hopeless.”

He repeated the slur the following month in reaction to a video featuring a Black teenager, per the report.

Shukman told Guardian: “The Old Glory Club and its affiliates like the Basketweavers may claim to provide community, but the truth is they conceal a much more sinister aim.”

He continued: “We have seen that the leaders of these groups can be vicious and degrading to junior members, especially maladjusted young men. The OGC’s senior figures also have a track record of making deeply racist statements and affiliating with known far-right activists.”

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