The Rise of the Alt-Right
Every December, The Atlantic looks back on the previous year—to highlight not just the big moments, but the progression of big ideas. Below, the second of four installments on our political coverage looks at the resurgence of white nationalism in 2017.
Shortly after Donald Trump was elected, white nationalists gathered in Washington, D.C. for an annual conference, where The Atlantic captured the audience offering cheers and enthusiastic Nazi salutes. At the helm was Richard Spencer, the leader of the “alt-right,” a term he popularized. “Hail Trump, hail our people, hail victory!” they exclaimed. Spencer would go on to set up a “hub” for in the Washington area. But at the Deploraball, an event held in January, where figures of the alt-right celebrated Trump’s victory.
