Former KKK leader David Duke: 'We won it for Donald Trump'
Ex 'grand wizard' of infamous racist group posts a series of bizarre images of Mr Trump, including one of him holding a rifle standing on a tank, surrounded by fireworks, an eagle and the US flag
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A former Ku Klux Klan leader – or 'grand wizard' – has suggested fascists had helped Donald Trump win the US presidential election.
David Duke, who once led the neo-Nazi, white-supermacist organisation, tweeted the claim on election night.
“This is one of the most exciting nights of my life,” Mr Duke wrote.
“Make no mistake about it, our people have played a huge role in electing Trump!”
The Republican became the 45th president-elect early on Wednesday morning, in a victory which defied the polls and shocked pundits.
Mr Duke, a former member of the Louisiana House of Representatives, was also running for Senate this year, but lost his race in the state.
During the election campaign, Mr Trump only hesitantly denounced Mr Duke and the KKK, but that did not deter the far-right politician.
Mr Duke reiterated his support following the election result, even appearing to class his politics and Mr Trump's politics as one and the same.
“We have the moral high ground, 100%,” he said on Twitter.
He also posted a series of bizarre photoshopped images of Mr Trump, including one of him holding a rifle while standing on a tank bearing his name, surrounded by fireworks, an eagle and the US flag.
He wrote: “Donald J Trump now has the chance to become one of the greatest Americans to have ever lived.”
Marine Le Pen, leader of the French far-right National Front, also took to Twitter to praise Mr Trump.
“Congratulations to the new president of the United States Donald Trump and to the free American people” she said on Wednesday.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments