David Duke: Former KKK leader praises Donald Trump for saying 'Americans are dreamers too' in State of the Union
Other white supremacists also celebrated what appeared to be an attempt to reclaim the term
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.David Duke, the former leader of the Ku Klux Klan, praised Donald Trump for saying “Americans are dreamers too” in his State of the Union address.
Mr Trump’s remarks appeared to be an attempt to reclaim the term, which has been used to refer to undocumented migrants brought to the US as children.
The US President used his speech to offer to extend “an open hand to work with members of both parties, Democrats and Republicans, to protect our citizens, of every background, colour, religion and creed.”
He continued: “My duty, and the sacred duty of every elected official in this chamber, is to defend Americans – to protect their safety, their families, their communities, and their right to the American Dream.
“Because Americans are dreamers too.”
Mr Trump’s reference was praised by Mr Duke and other white supremacists.
“Thank you President Trump,” Mr Duke, the former Imperial Wizard of the KKK, tweeted. ”Americans are ‘Dreamers’ too.”
Richard Spencer, who is credited with coining the term “alt-right” and became well-known after he was punched in the face at an anti-Trump protest, shared the President’s quote on Twitter along with a generic picture of two white parents and their two children.
Mr Duke supported Mr Trump’s presidential bid during the 2016 campaign, but the President has since distanced himself from him.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments