The Link Between Extremism and Political Ideology

Hate groups and extremist organizations in the U.S. are often linked to various ideological movements, making it challenging to assign a clear political party affiliation. According to the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) and FBI reports:

1. Right-Leaning Associations: Many hate groups exist, such as white supremacist organizations, militia groups, and neo-Nazi factions. They are often linked to far-right ideologies. These groups frequently oppose diversity and inclusive democracy while promoting conspiracy theories. Their activities and rhetoric often align with broader “hard-right” or ultraconservative movements rather than mainstream Republican politics​.
2. Historical Context: Historically, some hate groups have aligned with political movements on both sides of the spectrum, depending on regional and temporal contexts. For example, white supremacist groups, such as the Ku Klux Klan, were affiliated with the Democratic Party in the South. This occurred during the segregation era. However, in more recent decades, these groups have gravitated toward far-right ideologies​.
3. Anti-government Extremism: Many anti-government groups such as militias—often reject political institutions altogether, labeling both major parties as part of a corrupt system. Their primary allegiance is to their ideologies rather than a political party.

It’s essential to differentiate mainstream political parties from the extremist ideologies of hate groups. Some hate groups may attempt to align themselves with certain political narratives. However, they generally operate outside the scope of conventional politics. For further detailed information, you can review reports from the SPLC and FBI, such as the SPLC’s “Year in Hate and Extremism”​