Politics

Freshly Pardoned Proud Boy Plans to ‘Reclaim’ American Masculinity

LOUD AND PROUD

Four of the far-right extremist group’s leaders were freed from lengthy prison sentences by Donald Trump.

Proud Boys celebrate Donald Trump’s inauguration.
Stephanie Keith/Getty Images

Several high-ranking members of the Proud Boys have big plans now that President Donald Trump has freed them from lengthy prison sentences. Four of the far-right extremist group’s leaders were due to serve between 15 and 22 years for their roles in the Jan. 6 insurrection until the president blanket-pardoned all involved. Enrique Tarrio, Ethan Nordean, Joe Biggs, and Zachary Rehl shared their plans for the future in interviews with USA Today. At least two—Tarrio and Rehl—hope to pursue political careers, as Trump’s ascendance in his second term has brought their once-fringe beliefs to the political mainstream. Nordean, meanwhile, wants to build an organization that will help young men “reclaim” their American masculinity. “Basically anything that isn’t in agreement with far-leftist ideology is considered fascist,” he said. “It demonizes the nuclear family; it demonizes Christian men.” He hopes to give disillusioned men “a sense of purpose.” As for Biggs, he said his time in prison made him want to reform the justice system, although he’s not yet sure exactly how he’ll do that. “The system is a monster, and you can’t just beat a monster overnight,” he said. However, he floated the idea of teaming up with Kim Kardashian. “Let’s get people who have pull, together, and let’s have some hearings,” Biggs said.

Read it at USA Today