07 Jan 2026
44m

The Growing Power & Influence Of White Supremacy In America

Podcast cover

Fresh Air

The episode explores the surge in white supremacist violence in America, particularly focusing on Orange County, California, as a microcosm of national trends. Investigative journalist Eric Lichtblau discusses how the rise of Donald Trump has emboldened the white supremacy movement, leading to record levels of hate crimes. The conversation highlights the white power music scene's influence and the story of Sam Woodward, who murdered a gay Jewish student, Blaise Bernstein. Lichtblau and host Dave Davies examine the role of online radicalization, the Atomwaffen Division, and the impact of political rhetoric on hate groups. The episode further considers the shift in focus from Islamic terrorism to domestic terrorism within federal agencies and the challenges in combating online hate speech.

Outlines

Part 1: The Rise of Modern Extremism

Part 2: Orange County as a Microcosm

Part 3: Case Study: The Sam Woodward Story

Part 4: The Victim and the Investigation

Part 5: Policy, Politics, and Community Action

Part 6: Film Review: Marty Supreme

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