J.D. Vance Under Scrutiny for Following Hitler Apologist on Social Media
Republican vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance is facing backlash after it was revealed that he follows Darryl Cooper, a controversial figure who recently claimed that Winston Churchill, rather than Adolf Hitler, was the “chief villain of World War 2.” Vance follows Cooper from both his personal and Senate accounts on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, according to a report by The New Republic.
Controversy Over Cooper’s Views and Tucker Carlson’s Endorsement
Cooper’s inflammatory remarks gained wider attention when X CEO Elon Musk promoted an interview between Cooper and Tucker Carlson, calling it “Very interesting. Worth watching.” Carlson, known for giving platforms to controversial figures, described Cooper as “the best and most honest popular historian in the United States.” The interview and Musk’s promotion sparked outrage across the political spectrum, particularly due to Cooper’s white nationalist sympathies. While Musk later deleted the tweet, the damage was already done, amplifying Cooper’s extremist views.
Vance’s Connection to Cooper
X user @styledape uncovered Vance’s connection to Cooper, noting that Vance’s personal @JDVance and official @SenVancePress accounts both follow Cooper’s @martyrmade account. This connection raises questions about Vance’s judgment and whether he aligns with Cooper’s revisionist historical views or white nationalist leanings. The revelation has intensified the scrutiny of Vance’s associations, especially given his position on the 2024 Republican presidential ticket alongside Donald Trump.
Past Controversies Surrounding Vance
This is not the first time Vance’s associations and statements have sparked controversy. He has previously come under fire for derisive comments about individuals without children, referring to them as “childless cat ladies.” He has also praised conspiracy theorist Jack Posobiec, a known promoter of the debunked Pizzagate theory, and was caught making anti-immigrant remarks during a 2021 podcast appearance with another far-right figure.
Vance’s choice to follow someone like Darryl Cooper, who has made openly extremist statements, adds to a growing list of troubling connections that could damage his standing as a vice presidential candidate. His team has yet to issue a statement addressing the controversy.
Implications for the 2024 Election
As the 2024 election approaches, Vance’s ties to figures like Cooper could pose significant challenges for his political future. These associations may alienate more moderate voters and draw further attention to the undercurrents of extremism within certain factions of the Republican Party. Vance’s continued engagement with controversial figures online, particularly those who promote revisionist history and extremist ideologies, is likely to be a focal point of criticism in the coming months.
