Interior Secretary Doug Burgum condemned the ideology of the white nationalist group Patriot Front but did not call for President Donald Trump to publicly denounce the organization. He emphasized the protection of free speech under the First Amendment, stating, "I think certainly what they stand for is nothing I could possibly agree with." Burgum made these comments during an appearance on CNN’s State of the Union on July 5, 2026.
Patriot Front, identified as a Texas-based white supremacist group founded in 2017 and led by Thomas Ryan Rousseau, was seen marching in Washington on the Fourth of July. The group believes that their ancestors conquered America and bestowed it to them alone, according to the Anti-Defamation League.
When pressed by CNN’s Dana Bash about whether Trump should condemn Patriot Front, Burgum did not provide a direct answer. He reiterated that the First Amendment protects offensive speech and demonstrations. He contrasted the march with broader displays of national unity observed during Independence Day celebrations, stating, "The good news is these small things, I think, are the rare example." Burgum noted that constitutional protections extend to all demonstrations, even those that some may find objectionable.