Fresh Air – "The Growing Power & Influence Of White Supremacy In America"
Host: Dave Davies
Guest: Eric Lichtblau (Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist, author of American Reich: A Murder in Orange County, Neo Nazis and a New Age of Hate)
Date: January 7, 2026
Overview
This episode delves into the alarming and resurgent influence of white supremacist groups in contemporary America. Dave Davies interviews Eric Lichtblau about his new book, which chronicles both the history and current landscape of white supremacist activities, hate crimes, and the cultural and political forces fueling their growth. Using Orange County, California, as a representative microcosm, Lichtblau examines how shifting demographics, online radicalization, and the rhetoric of political figures have converged to create an environment conducive to hate-fueled violence, including the 2018 murder of Blaze Bernstein.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Challenging Assumptions about Extremism’s Geography
- Many believe January 6th rioters came from Trump’s strongholds, but University of Chicago research shows many were from counties Biden won—places with shrinking white populations experiencing demographic change (00:13–03:41).
- Orange County, long a Republican and conservative bastion ("the Orange Curtain"), has seen a fierce backlash among some whites as the area becomes more diverse and politically blue.
“What you've seen there is sort of a microcosm of what you've seen in the country... With changing demographics in the voting patterns, there was a real backlash from the far right in Orange County and the country as a whole.”
— Eric Lichtblau (05:08)
2. The White Power Music Scene and High-Profile Hate Crimes
- The 1970s-80s white power music scene in Orange County was fertile ground for extremist recruitment and violence.
- Example: Wade Page, bass player for a white power band, committed a mass shooting at a Sikh temple in Wisconsin (2014), starkly illustrating the crossover between music subculture and violent acts (06:10–07:18).
“White power music became huge in Orange County in the 70s and 80s and sometimes with tragic and violent results.”
— Eric Lichtblau (06:18)
3. Extremism’s National Network and "Replacement Theory"
- Notorious hate crimes (e.g., Tree of Life Synagogue shooting) connect back to Orange County groups, such as the Rise Above Movement, and to broader "replacement theory" rhetoric (07:32–09:41).
- Online radicalization and international neo-Nazi networks (e.g., Iron March) spread ideology quickly and efficiently.
“Robert Bauer... in the horrible Pittsburgh Tree of Life attack... was a supporter, a sympathizer of the Rise Above Movement. He had posted a bunch of things supporting them along with others.”
— Eric Lichtblau (07:46)
4. Case Study: The Murder of Blaze Bernstein
- Focus on Sam Woodward, Bernstein’s killer: a loner whose pathway to extremism began in preteens via gaming, fascination with WWII Germany, and anti-gay upbringing (09:41–13:57).
- Woodward’s online life included “a journal of hate,” documenting his manipulation of others and violently bigoted fantasies.
- He was later recruited into Atomwaffen Division, a neo-Nazi group springing from Iron March, dedicated not just to rhetoric but violent action—stockpiling weapons and planning attacks (13:57–18:28).
“He kept what he called a journal of hate, in which he lashed out against virtually every minority group. ....That was a real thrill for him.”
— Eric Lichtblau (12:51)
5. Blaze Bernstein’s Disappearance and the Investigation
- Woodward and Bernstein barely knew each other from art school, reconnect online; Woodward manipulates Blaze into meeting up. Blaze goes missing, a community search ensues, and Woodward’s story quickly unravels (18:46–26:00).
- ProPublica reporting reveals Woodward’s deep connections to Atomwaffen and white supremacist forums, crucial for establishing the hate-motivated nature of the murder.
“Most of what cracked open the motive... was done from outside journalists... showing that there were all sorts of internal chat logs where they were basically celebrating the murder of a dead gay Jew, as they put it.”
— Eric Lichtblau (26:00)
6. Aftermath: Justice and Legacy
- Woodward convicted, receives life in prison without parole; other Atomwaffen members prosecuted for related crimes.
- The Bernstein family starts the “Blaze It Forward” foundation to support pro-LGBT and anti-hate causes, combating the very climate that led to Blaze’s murder (28:27–29:20).
7. Federal Response to Rising Hate Groups
- Federal agencies belatedly turned focus back to domestic extremism post-2017, but the Trump administration de-emphasized hate group pursuits in favor of immigration enforcement; under Trump, groups like Proud Boys became emboldened (30:43–34:27).
“The mission of the FBI has been almost totally recast into an arm of immigration. ... Whatever momentum there was in terms of identifying violent subversive elements... that has been, I think, once again minimalized.”
— Eric Lichtblau (31:05)
- Trump’s pardons of January 6th rioters and equivocal public statements are viewed as direct encouragement to extremist groups.
“He has given the white supremacists an influence that they have never had before over the course of the last decade.”
— Eric Lichtblau (33:11)
8. Understanding the Neo-Nazi Continuum
- Lichtblau reflects on parallels and differences between original German Nazis and today’s American neo-Nazis: the shocking resurgence of fascist thought and violence, seven decades post-Holocaust (35:11–35:44).
9. Community Resistance and the Power of Solidarity
- Lichtblau recounts the story of a Chinese-American family terrorized by racist teens in Orange County, and how a neighbor organized street patrols—demonstrating effective, grassroots resistance (35:44–37:49).
“Sometimes it just goes to show that public shaming can do something where even the police and other public action can’t. ...you realize there are some good people out there...”
— Eric Lichtblau (37:22)
10. Combating Online Radicalization
- On current strategies: Europe has developed effective hate speech monitoring, but the Trump administration in its second term has actively blocked such organizations from U.S. engagement, framing their work as threats to free speech. Critics see this as enabling further hate speech proliferation (37:49–38:43).
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Backlash in Changing Communities
“There was a real backlash from the far right in Orange county and in the country as a whole.”
— Eric Lichtblau (05:01) -
On Atomwaffen’s 'Activism'
“They wanted to build a more activist group that would actually do things, not just talk about white supremacy, as they said...stockpiling weapons; they were talking about attacks.”
— Eric Lichtblau (14:16) -
On Investigative Journalism’s Role
“That was journalism making a difference. ...the police after that were able to get into his phone and that revealed a lot of further evidence of just how deeply embedded he was with the neo Nazi movement.”
— Eric Lichtblau (27:06) -
On Appeals to Hope
“I think these horrible views really are still way, way in the minority of most Americans, I'd like to think.”
— Dave Davies (36:36)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Trends in White Supremacist Activity & Demographic Backlash: 00:13–06:10
- White Power Music Scene/High Profile Hate Crimes: 06:10–09:41
- Sam Woodward’s Radicalization: 09:41–13:57
- Blaze Bernstein’s Murder & Investigation: 21:30–27:53
- Federal Law Enforcement Response: 30:43–34:27
- Reflection on Nazi Germany vs. Neo-Nazis: 34:27–35:44
- Community Response to Hate: 35:44–37:49
- Efforts and Challenges Combating Online Hate: 37:49–38:43
Conclusion
This episode explores the complex tapestry of contemporary American white supremacy—from demographic anxieties and online radicalization to deadly violence and community resistance. Lichtblau’s reporting and storytelling underscore the stakes, making clear both the persistent threat and the capacity for decency and resistance among ordinary people. For listeners seeking an authoritative, clear-eyed look at America’s ongoing battle with hate—and at the resilience of its better angels—this is an essential conversation.