As Republicans of color remain silent in the face of authoritarianism, the tragic lesson of the Union of German National Jews looms.
During the presidential election, Trump made inroads with minority voters that impressed Republicans. But as Minneapolis becomes a frontline against aggressive ICE tactics and white nationalist ideology, Republicans of color may need to reconsider their loyalty.
The moment echoes Depression-era Germany, when a segment of conservative, assimilationist Jews placed faith in the Nazi Party, believing their status, patriotism, and economic interests would protect them. They underestimated how authoritarian movements consolidate power—weaponizing law enforcement, suppressing dissent, and ultimately enforcing racial purity that spared no one.
Today, anxieties over economic decline, immigration, and leftist politics again fuel white nationalism and politicized policing. Republicans of color have helped legitimize Trump-era politics in their communities, yet many now face the consequences. History offers a warning: loyalty to authoritarianism does not shield its collaborators.