Caleb Oriet’s online presence paints a troubling picture of a young conservative with far-right views, mingling in the fringes of social media.
Despite his affiliation with controversial figures and endorsement of incendiary content targeting racial and religious minorities, Oriet holds an important role as a staffer for Tim Sheehy, a top Republican candidate aiming to unseat Sen. Jon Tester in Montana.
Sheehy, a former Navy SEAL turned businessman, is backed by GOP leadership in their bid to regain control of the Senate. However, Oriet’s views conflict with the party’s mainstream stance, as he aligns himself with hard-right, Christian nationalist ideology and associates with individuals known for promoting extremist views.
Caleb Oriet (Credits: Yahoo News Singapore)
Oriet’s public statements and social media activity reveal a concerning pattern, including his derogatory remarks about Black Americans and LGBTQ individuals. His involvement with organizations like the American Populist Union and admiration for fascist thinkers like Julius Evola raise further alarms about his ideological leanings.
Despite attempts by mainstream Republicans to distance themselves from figures like Oriet, his employment with the Sheehy campaign highlights a potential blind spot within the party’s vetting process. The campaign’s response to inquiries about Oriet’s views suggests a reluctance to address the issue directly, opting instead to deflect criticism.
Oriet’s rapid deletion of social media posts following inquiries about his views indicates awareness of the potential repercussions. However, his past statements and affiliations remain public record, raising questions about his suitability for a role within a prominent political campaign.
Twitter (Credits: Variety)
As Montana gears up for a fiercely contested Senate race, Oriet’s presence within the Sheehy campaign adds another layer of complexity. While mainstream Republicans seek to appeal to a broad base of voters, Oriet’s fringe views threaten to undermine these efforts and draw unwanted attention to the campaign’s associations.
Eventually, Oriet’s trajectory from online provocateur to political staffer underscores the growing influence of far-right elements within conservative circles.
As he hints at aspirations for political office, his ascent highlights the challenges facing the Republican Party as it grapples with internal divisions and strives to maintain a cohesive message shifting ideological currents.
