Naziland

A four-part series examining right-wing radicals’ impact on communities nationwide

Over the last several months, the Daily Dot’s investigative reporter Claire Goforth traveled to places around the country where far-right extremists have relocated in recent years. Their movements are part of an ideological migration currently sweeping the nation. This series examines the impact extremists are having on communities in West Virginia, Idaho, Maine, and Florida—and what, if anything, the locals are doing to resist the radicals in their midst.
Anti-immigration power couple has big plans to shape U.S. laws—from their castle in West Virginia
In 2020, the owners of the anti-immigrant website VDARE turned a historic castle in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia into their headquarters. The stone fortress has long been a source of local pride. Since VDARE owners Peter and Lydia Brimelow came to town, Berkeley Castle has become a wedge in this tiny Appalachian burg that’s less than two hours from Washington, D.C.
White nationalism infiltrates Idaho Republicans, where the ‘Christian Taliban’ is gaining influence
Idaho famously chased out the neo-Nazi Aryan Nations over 20 years ago. Today extremism has regained a foothold in this ultra-white, ultra-conservative state. Multiple sources said powerful Republicans have embraced the Holocaust deniers, Unite the Right attendees, and white nationalists who’ve moved there. More mainstream conservatives are outraged. And they’re not going out without a fight.
‘He knows when to use humor; he can be very friendly and nice’: The neo-Nazi up the road
Christopher Pohlhaus leads one of the fastest growing neo-Nazi groups in America. In 2022, news broke that he planned to create a settlement for his group, the Blood Tribe, in northern Maine. An uproar ensued. Nobody wanted to be known as that place where the neo-Nazis live, particularly not one who wants to make liberal women into “war wives.” The locals triumphed. Pohlhaus sold his property last October.
‘They do have blood on their hands. And they will have more’: A sunny haven for white nationalists
The Sunshine State has a dark history of harboring white supremacists. Recent moves by the Republican-dominated government have enticed far-right radicals like Jon Minadeo II, one of the most popular antisemitic influencers in America. Minadeo and other white nationalists use the state as the backdrop to create propaganda and recruit new members. People say Florida may not roll out the welcome mat, but it isn’t slamming the door in their face either.
Written by Claire Goforth
Edited by Ramon Ramirez
Art by Jason Reed