Nick Fuentes quickly stood out for his ultra-conservative views and radical positions. In high school, he was already active as a political commentator, then continued his career in student media at Boston University. In 2017, at just 19 years old, he dropped out of college to help organize a white supremacist rally in Charlottesville. It was then that he definitively fell into the circles of the great right. After Charlottesville, Fuentes launched his own online show, America First. His audience grew quickly, especially among young white men who were looking for more “upbeat” and “uninhibited” speech. Fuentes plays the card of irony and extroversion, alternating between extreme statements and so-called jokes, which allows him to attract a young audience, who appreciates his tough style.
He increases the platforms to spread his views, often racist, anti-Semitic, misogynistic and homophobic. His speeches pressure the moderators to quickly break down: he is banned, then reappears elsewhere. In 2020, Twitter permanently banned him for inciting violence following his comments on the Covid-19 pandemic and his calls for a total rejection of health measures. A measure that will be set aside as soon as Musk becomes the leader of the scene. These prohibitions only strengthen his status as a martyr among his supporters. They see it as proof that the system is trying to destroy its hero, the one who dares to challenge the established order. His followers, the ”Groypers”, become a kind of virtual army ready to protect and propagate his ideas. They see themselves as defenders of “white nationalism” and an America they believe is threatened by diversity, minority rights and feminism.
This slogan is, first of all, the fight for the right to abortion, a rallying cry for the rights of women who demand independence over their own bodies. On November 6, 2024, the day of Donald Trump’s re-election, Fuentes decided to adapt this phrase and turn it into a weapon of provocation. Completely live on Rumble, he spoke to his audience and says: “Your body, my choice. The men win again. We control your body. You will never be in control of your own body.”. He also published this slogan on Twitter, where his message exploded. More than 77 million views in a few days. For Fuentes, it is a new victory: he succeeds in making a disturbance, attracting attention, galvanizing his supporters and above all setting off a wave of chain reactions. In the hours that followed, the slogan was taken en masse, transformed into a meme, and used to harass women online. For some, it’s a provocation, for others, it’s a direct attack on women’s rights, a threat, a brutal reminder that the female body has always been and will always be a terrain of political struggle.
Quickly, the testimonials poured in. On TikTok, young women share how they are inundated with “Your Body, My Choice” comments about their videos. Some say they had to delete their publications after receiving rape threats. This slogan becomes a reason to spew misogynistic hatred. We see teenagers shouting this slogan in schools, groups of men repeating it in public places, sometimes even to directly intimidate women. This trend is being denounced by influencers and public figures on TikTok. Some describe how Trump’s re-election seems to have given a “green light” to stories of oppression. For them, it is no longer just a slogan; it is a symbol of social regression where women’s rights and freedoms are at risk, in virtual space and in reality.
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What are the main tactics used by Nick Fuentes to engage his audience and spread his message?
Interview between Time.News Editor and Political Expert on Nick Fuentes
Time.News Editor: Welcome to Time.News, where we dive into the stories shaping our world today. With us is Dr. Elena Rodriguez, a political scientist specializing in far-right movements and online radicalization. Dr. Rodriguez, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Elena Rodriguez: Thank you for having me. I’m looking forward to discussing this topic.
Editor: Let’s start with a figure at the center of much controversy: Nick Fuentes. He became known for his ultra-conservative views and has attracted a sizable following. What do you think distinguishes him from other far-right commentators?
Dr. Rodriguez: One of the key aspects of Fuentes’ appeal lies in his ability to combine irony with a provocative style. His use of extreme statements, often framed as jokes, makes him accessible to a younger audience looking for validation of their more radical views. This strategy not only captures attention but also encourages a sense of community among his followers, who identify with his brand of aggressive nationalism.
Editor: So you’re saying that his irony serves a purpose?
Dr. Rodriguez: Absolutely. The blend of humor with radicalism can disarm critics and create a feeling of camaraderie among his supporters, who often see themselves as defenders of a threatened America. It’s a powerful tool for engagement, especially in online spaces where memes and virality reign supreme.
Editor: Speaking of online spaces, Fuentes seems to have a pattern of being banned from various platforms yet re-emerging elsewhere. How does this contribute to his status among supporters?
Dr. Rodriguez: Each ban effectively fortifies his image as a martyr in the eyes of his followers. They perceive these actions as censorship, which feeds into a larger narrative that the establishment is trying to silence dissenting voices. This creates a sense of urgency and loyalty among his “Groypers,” who view their mission as defending free speech, while in reality, they espouse extremely exclusionary and detrimental ideologies.
Editor: It seems that his rhetoric has increasingly escalated. The recent use of the slogan “Your body, my choice” during a livestream is a notable example. What impact do you think this kind of manipulation of language has?
Dr. Rodriguez: It’s incredibly manipulative and dangerous. By appropriating a well-known slogan from the pro-choice movement, Fuentes is not only provoking outrage but also reframing the conversation to fit his narrative. This strategy not only garners attention but also creates a ripple effect—people start sharing and reshaping his message, which amplifies its reach and impact. This particular instance saw over 77 million views in just a few days, which is a testament to how quickly misinformation can spread, particularly among audience segments that feel marginalized or threatened.
Editor: And that propagation of ideas can lead to real-world consequences, can’t it?
Dr. Rodriguez: Yes, it can. The online harassment that often follows such provocative stunts is a prime example. When these slogans take off, especially in meme culture, they can encourage toxic behaviors and contribute to a broader climate of hostility towards vulnerable groups—particularly women in this case. It’s a cycle of provocation leading to harassment and further radicalization, which is very concerning.
Editor: So, looking ahead, what do you think Fuentes and his followers represent for the future of American political discourse?
Dr. Rodriguez: Fuentes and his followers illustrate a troubling shift towards normalization of extreme ideologies in mainstream discourse. Their willingness to disrupt traditional narratives — and the success they find in doing so — could encourage further radicalization within political spaces. We might see more individuals adopting similar tactics, which could deepen polarization and make constructive political dialogue increasingly difficult.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Rodriguez, for your insights on this complex and urgent topic. It’s crucial for us to remain vigilant and informed about the influences shaping our society today.
Dr. Rodriguez: Thank you for having me. It’s important for these discussions to happen, especially as the stakes continue to rise.
Editor: We appreciate your time and expertise. Stay tuned for more engaging discussions right here on Time.News.