The Controversy Surrounding Nate Hochman’s Role in America 2100’s Anti-Immigrant Campaign
Nate Hochman, a right-wing activist fired from Ron DeSantis’s campaign last year for employing neo-Nazi imagery, has reemerged as a critical figure in a new anti-immigrant effort led by a Marco Rubio-linked think tank. Now working with the think tank America 2100, Hochman has been recording videos in Charleroi, Pennsylvania, focusing on immigration issues.
Hochman’s New Role
Hochman, 26, serves as an adviser for America 2100, a think tank founded by Mike Needham, Rubio’s former chief of staff. The organization has been promoting anti-immigrant sentiments, with Hochman’s videos being widely shared on X by prominent right-wing figures, including the platform’s owner, tech billionaire Elon Musk. Hochman has become a vocal critic of immigration, publishing articles and podcasts with similar themes through The American Spectator, where he is a staff writer.
Charleroi’s Immigrant Community
Like Springfield, Ohio, Charleroi has seen an influx of Haitian immigrants, with local officials praising their contributions. Jim Manning, the borough manager, noted that immigrants, including Haitians, have benefited the town by buying property, opening businesses, and paying taxes. Despite these positive contributions, Hochman’s videos primarily focus on negative narratives, interviewing older white residents who express frustration over the presence of immigrants, with complaints ranging from language barriers to job competition.
One of Hochman’s interviewees admitted that while the immigrants are likely in the country legally, the perception remains that they are not, feeding into the anti-immigrant rhetoric Hochman and America 2100 are promoting.
Musk’s Endorsement and America 2100’s Influence
While most of Hochman’s videos have yet to gain significant traction, Musk’s reposting of one to his nearly 200 million followers has significantly amplified the message pushed by America 2100. This influential endorsement has linked Pennsylvania’s political importance to the immigrant issue, further fueling the debate.
Hochman’s Troubled Past
Hochman’s past has been marred by controversy. Once seen as a rising star in conservative media, he was fired from DeSantis’s campaign for promoting a video that embraced far-right aesthetics, including Nazi imagery. His association with white supremacist Nick Fuentes further damaged his reputation, leading to the loss of prestigious fellowships and his departure from National Review.
Since then, Hochman has fully embraced more extreme elements of the right, writing for far-right platforms like IM-1776. His recent essays promote conspiratorial views about the media and praise figures like Christopher Rufo, who has been involved in controversial culture war victories.
The Future of America 2100
Despite being launched with some fanfare, America 2100 remains largely opaque, with little information about its current personnel or activities. Registered as a non-stock corporation in Virginia, the organization lists several former Rubio staffers as officers. Needham, while defending Hochman’s actions, claims the organization is focused on addressing the “tragic story” of Charleroi. However, critics see it as a thinly veiled effort to spread anti-immigrant panic across crucial swing states like Pennsylvania and Ohio.
As Hochman continues to push divisive narratives, America 2100 seems poised to play a significant role in shaping right-wing discourse on immigration leading into future elections. The potential impact of this organization on the political landscape is a matter of growing concern and interest.