Christian Nationalist Antisemitism in the United States: Past and Present

Abstract: This article examines the resurgence of Christian nationalist antisemitism in the United States since 2015—a period that includes the rise of Trump-era populism and the consolidation of new social media networks that amplify political extremism—and traces continuities with earlier waves of Christian nationalist antisemitism (1920s–1950s). The article highlights the persistence and adaptability of Christian nationalist antisemitism as a framework for explaining political and social grievances and deepening societal divisions, as well as a means of mainstreaming hatred in American society. It argues that Christian nationalist antisemitism constitutes a historically rooted ideology that has demonstrated remarkable adaptability across political, technological, and cultural transformations in the United States. Populism, social media, and conspiracy theories did not create Christian nationalist antisemitism, but have provided the means for its normalization and amplification. By appropriating these modern tools, Christian nationalist actors transform centuries-old theological tropes and nationalist myths into contemporary narratives of persecution, decline, and divine restoration. The article, therefore, understands Christian nationalist antisemitism as a continuous ideological thread—one that binds early twentieth century radio preachers and pamphleteers to twenty-first century live streamers and digital entrepreneurs.