David Duke Endorses Jill Stein But Faces Rejection

In a surprising turn of events, former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke has endorsed Green Party nominee Jill Stein for the U.S. presidency, despite an immediate rebuke from Stein herself. Duke, known for his antisemitic and white supremacist views, cited the candidates’ positions on Israel as influencing his endorsement decision. Speaking on his radio show, Duke stated, “I endorse for president of the United States Green Party candidate, Dr. Jill Stein. Although Dr. Stein and I obviously have our differences on important issues, she’s the only candidate who speaks clearly against the war in the Middle East.”

Duke acknowledged that his endorsement of a far-left candidate might “shock” his supporters and explained it was based on what he believes is “good for white people, Europeans, as well as all humanity.” He specifically praised Stein’s stance on Israel, claiming she was the only candidate addressing what he described as “Israel’s massacre of Palestinians in Gaza.”

Responding to the endorsement, Stein made it clear that she rejected any association with Duke. “A racist troll has ‘endorsed’ our campaign to draw attention to himself,” Stein wrote in a post on the social media platform X, previously known as Twitter. “Of course I reject any ‘endorsement’ from a white supremacist like David Duke.”

Jason Call, Stein’s campaign manager, reinforced this position, telling Newsweek, “It should go without saying that we reject any endorsement or association with Duke.” He further criticized media outlets for focusing on Duke’s endorsement rather than on reports of former Vice President Dick Cheney endorsing another candidate, stating, “Democrats are celebrating the endorsement of Dick Cheney, the worst war criminal in recent American history.”

The developments occur amidst ongoing tensions in the Middle East, with Israel’s prolonged offensive reportedly resulting in over 42,000 Palestinian deaths and significant damage in Gaza, as reported by the Associated Press quoting Gaza's Health Ministry. This situation was catalyzed by an attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, leading to around 1,200 deaths and 250 hostages being taken.

Meanwhile, Duke criticized former President Donald Trump, whom he previously endorsed in 2016 and 2020, accusing him of “full-throated subservience to Israel and to the Jewish lobby in the United States.” Duke alleged, “Jewish supremacy on a global level” is causing widespread conflict and “the destruction of our economy, our morals, our society.”

The reaction from campaigns of other presidential candidates, including those of Harris and Trump, is awaited, as they have been contacted for further comment outside business hours.