Cole Cloyd
@colecloyd.bsky.social
Scholar of religion, politics, violence & extremism | PhD student @ Arizona State University's School for Historical, Philosophical, & Religious Studies | Harvard Divinity & University of Oklahoma alum | Small town, autistic Okie | He/Him
Reposted by Cole Cloyd
Fascinating new survey on Charlie Kirk legacy. While
31 percent agreed (or strongly agreed) that he is a martyr, there is no unifying element nationally or even within GOP. Data backing up my sense from watching things online, at TPUSA events, etc. religioninpublic.blog/2026/01/09/c...
31 percent agreed (or strongly agreed) that he is a martyr, there is no unifying element nationally or even within GOP. Data backing up my sense from watching things online, at TPUSA events, etc. religioninpublic.blog/2026/01/09/c...
Calling Charlie Kirk a Martyr is Not Exactly a Unifying Message
By Paul A. Djupe and Jacob R. Neiheisel On September 10, 2025, activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated at a Turning Point event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. In our view, all political vi…
religioninpublic.blog
January 9, 2026 at 3:54 PM
Fascinating new survey on Charlie Kirk legacy. While
31 percent agreed (or strongly agreed) that he is a martyr, there is no unifying element nationally or even within GOP. Data backing up my sense from watching things online, at TPUSA events, etc. religioninpublic.blog/2026/01/09/c...
31 percent agreed (or strongly agreed) that he is a martyr, there is no unifying element nationally or even within GOP. Data backing up my sense from watching things online, at TPUSA events, etc. religioninpublic.blog/2026/01/09/c...
Reposted by Cole Cloyd
It is really hard to overstate the effects of COVID-related church restrictions and closures, both in terms of politicizing once-political churches and pushing countless Americans into the depths of a radical, conspiracy theory rabbit hole.
Exhibit ♾️:
Exhibit ♾️:
January 5, 2026 at 6:46 PM
It is really hard to overstate the effects of COVID-related church restrictions and closures, both in terms of politicizing once-political churches and pushing countless Americans into the depths of a radical, conspiracy theory rabbit hole.
Exhibit ♾️:
Exhibit ♾️:
Reposted by Cole Cloyd
Turning Point USA wants to be Arizona’s political kingmaker.
Whether the group can elevate its favored candidates will provide a glimpse into its political staying power following the killing of its founder, Charlie Kirk.
Whether the group can elevate its favored candidates will provide a glimpse into its political staying power following the killing of its founder, Charlie Kirk.
Inside Turning Point’s effort to take over Arizona’s Republican Party
Whether the group can elevate its favored candidates will provide a glimpse into their political staying power following Charlie Kirk’s killing on a Utah college campus in September.
www.politico.com
December 22, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Turning Point USA wants to be Arizona’s political kingmaker.
Whether the group can elevate its favored candidates will provide a glimpse into its political staying power following the killing of its founder, Charlie Kirk.
Whether the group can elevate its favored candidates will provide a glimpse into its political staying power following the killing of its founder, Charlie Kirk.
Reposted by Cole Cloyd
Handwaving away your party’s embrace of antisemitic conspiracy theories by saying “at least we’re not controlled by George Soros” is the most ridiculously quiet-part-loud thing I’ve ever seen.
JD Vance: "Wouldn't you rather lead a movement of freethinkers who sometimes disagree than a bunch of drones who take their orders from George Soros?"
December 21, 2025 at 7:56 PM
Handwaving away your party’s embrace of antisemitic conspiracy theories by saying “at least we’re not controlled by George Soros” is the most ridiculously quiet-part-loud thing I’ve ever seen.
Reposted by Cole Cloyd
Vance later says you don't have to "be Christian to be an American," but that Christianity is "America's creed" and a "shared moral language" beginning w/the Revolution.
History note: Catholics (like Vance) were part of the Revolution, but there was ALSO intense anti-Catholicism during the movement
History note: Catholics (like Vance) were part of the Revolution, but there was ALSO intense anti-Catholicism during the movement
Wow: Overt, unapologetic Christian nationalism from the Vice President here.
Even Trump has stopped short of saying something this explicit on the topic while President.
Even Trump has stopped short of saying something this explicit on the topic while President.
JD Vance gets the biggest applause of his speech so far when he says "by the grace of God we always will be a Christian nation"
December 21, 2025 at 8:24 PM
Vance later says you don't have to "be Christian to be an American," but that Christianity is "America's creed" and a "shared moral language" beginning w/the Revolution.
History note: Catholics (like Vance) were part of the Revolution, but there was ALSO intense anti-Catholicism during the movement
History note: Catholics (like Vance) were part of the Revolution, but there was ALSO intense anti-Catholicism during the movement
Reposted by Cole Cloyd
It me, again in coverage of Turning Point’s events this weekend in Arizona by Religion News Service. Vance speaks today
religionnews.com/2025/12/20/a...
religionnews.com/2025/12/20/a...
At AmFest, Turning Point USA leaders leverage Kirk's 'martyrdom' to rally young voters
PHOENIX (RNS) — At AmericaFest — where ICE merch is sold beside ‘Jesus Won’ T-shirts — the idea that conservative values are God-ordained may be the biggest unifying factor.
religionnews.com
December 21, 2025 at 2:44 PM
It me, again in coverage of Turning Point’s events this weekend in Arizona by Religion News Service. Vance speaks today
religionnews.com/2025/12/20/a...
religionnews.com/2025/12/20/a...
Reposted by Cole Cloyd
Wow: Overt, unapologetic Christian nationalism from the Vice President here.
Even Trump has stopped short of saying something this explicit on the topic while President.
Even Trump has stopped short of saying something this explicit on the topic while President.
JD Vance gets the biggest applause of his speech so far when he says "by the grace of God we always will be a Christian nation"
December 21, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Wow: Overt, unapologetic Christian nationalism from the Vice President here.
Even Trump has stopped short of saying something this explicit on the topic while President.
Even Trump has stopped short of saying something this explicit on the topic while President.
Reposted by Cole Cloyd
Nothing to see here, just a right wing hyper-nationalist government going to their party’s youth event sponsored by a group with a martyred leader they’ve pledged to avenge, recruiting people to join their masked police force devoted to removing auslanders from ze homeland.
December 21, 2025 at 1:24 PM
Nothing to see here, just a right wing hyper-nationalist government going to their party’s youth event sponsored by a group with a martyred leader they’ve pledged to avenge, recruiting people to join their masked police force devoted to removing auslanders from ze homeland.
Reposted by Cole Cloyd
Erika Kirk just brought out Nicki Minaj at a Turning Point USA event:
December 21, 2025 at 6:40 PM
Erika Kirk just brought out Nicki Minaj at a Turning Point USA event:
Reposted by Cole Cloyd
Like politics, anyone can (usually) weigh in on religion.
But FWIW: Harvard, where Pinker teaches, also has a divinity school.
It has lots of scholars who study religion for a living.
Pinker isn't one of them — in fact, they've publicly criticized him: www.commonwealmagazine.org/enlightenmen...
But FWIW: Harvard, where Pinker teaches, also has a divinity school.
It has lots of scholars who study religion for a living.
Pinker isn't one of them — in fact, they've publicly criticized him: www.commonwealmagazine.org/enlightenmen...
December 21, 2025 at 1:17 AM
Like politics, anyone can (usually) weigh in on religion.
But FWIW: Harvard, where Pinker teaches, also has a divinity school.
It has lots of scholars who study religion for a living.
Pinker isn't one of them — in fact, they've publicly criticized him: www.commonwealmagazine.org/enlightenmen...
But FWIW: Harvard, where Pinker teaches, also has a divinity school.
It has lots of scholars who study religion for a living.
Pinker isn't one of them — in fact, they've publicly criticized him: www.commonwealmagazine.org/enlightenmen...
Reposted by Cole Cloyd
The Turning Point USA annual Phoenix mega conference shenanigans has begun. The convention center is wrapped with with messages like “Make America Charlie Kirk,” “Carry the Torch,” and “For Charlie.”
Will update here throughout the weekend.
Will update here throughout the weekend.
December 18, 2025 at 8:56 PM
The Turning Point USA annual Phoenix mega conference shenanigans has begun. The convention center is wrapped with with messages like “Make America Charlie Kirk,” “Carry the Torch,” and “For Charlie.”
Will update here throughout the weekend.
Will update here throughout the weekend.
Reposted by Cole Cloyd
It’s been an interesting few months since the parallel events of the assassination of Charlie Kirk and the publication of my book about Kirk and Turning Point USA. As a year-in-review here are some of my interviews and articles that might interest you: 1/x www.amazon.com/Seven-Mounta...
The Seven Mountains Mandate: Exposing the Dangerous Plan to Christianize America and Destroy Democracy
The Seven Mountains Mandate: Exposing the Dangerous Plan to Christianize America and Destroy Democracy [Boedy, Matthew] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. The Seven Mountains Mandate: Exposing the Dangerous Plan to Christianize America and Destroy Democracy
www.amazon.com
December 18, 2025 at 4:56 PM
It’s been an interesting few months since the parallel events of the assassination of Charlie Kirk and the publication of my book about Kirk and Turning Point USA. As a year-in-review here are some of my interviews and articles that might interest you: 1/x www.amazon.com/Seven-Mounta...
Reposted by Cole Cloyd
Applicants who cited Nazi theorist Carl Schmitt include Paul Ingrassia, who was last week tapped for a new job as deputy general counsel of the General Services Administration, leaving his former role as White House liaison to the Department of Homeland Security.
November 28, 2025 at 9:07 PM
Applicants who cited Nazi theorist Carl Schmitt include Paul Ingrassia, who was last week tapped for a new job as deputy general counsel of the General Services Administration, leaving his former role as White House liaison to the Department of Homeland Security.
Reposted by Cole Cloyd
EXCLUSIVE: U.S. Coast Guard will no longer classify swastikas, nooses as hate symbols
The Guard has been reworking its policies to align with the administration’s changing tolerances for hazing, harassment within the U.S. military. By
@taracopp.bsky.social
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
The Guard has been reworking its policies to align with the administration’s changing tolerances for hazing, harassment within the U.S. military. By
@taracopp.bsky.social
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
U.S. Coast Guard will no longer classify swastikas, nooses as hate symbols
The military service, which falls under the Department of Homeland Security, has drafted a new policy that classifies such items “potentially divisive.”
www.washingtonpost.com
November 20, 2025 at 6:27 PM
EXCLUSIVE: U.S. Coast Guard will no longer classify swastikas, nooses as hate symbols
The Guard has been reworking its policies to align with the administration’s changing tolerances for hazing, harassment within the U.S. military. By
@taracopp.bsky.social
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
The Guard has been reworking its policies to align with the administration’s changing tolerances for hazing, harassment within the U.S. military. By
@taracopp.bsky.social
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
Reposted by Cole Cloyd
Not to be too dark, but this has been something that's irked me about discussions of recent extremism: claims that it's happening purely because internet culture rots the brain.
We know online technologies are bad for us in a variety of ways, but -
We know online technologies are bad for us in a variety of ways, but -
6-7 again for the sociological win 🧪
“The teacher says ‘do problems 6 and 7,’ and boom—a shared moment. Laughter. A known way of moving your hands. It's nonsense that makes sense socially. Because for ten seconds, you belong.”
*culture*
[Becky Kennedy’s post on LI]
“The teacher says ‘do problems 6 and 7,’ and boom—a shared moment. Laughter. A known way of moving your hands. It's nonsense that makes sense socially. Because for ten seconds, you belong.”
*culture*
[Becky Kennedy’s post on LI]
November 5, 2025 at 11:27 PM
Not to be too dark, but this has been something that's irked me about discussions of recent extremism: claims that it's happening purely because internet culture rots the brain.
We know online technologies are bad for us in a variety of ways, but -
We know online technologies are bad for us in a variety of ways, but -
Reposted by Cole Cloyd
Some would challenge whether these precise conclusions are ultimately *true*, but hard to argue with Posner's read of the media *narratives* here.
To put a religion spin on it:
Hero to young Dems: a pluralist Muslim
Hero to young GOPers: a white nationalist & self-described Christian nationalist
To put a religion spin on it:
Hero to young Dems: a pluralist Muslim
Hero to young GOPers: a white nationalist & self-described Christian nationalist
Think about these contrasting storylines of the last week:
Zohran Mandani is the face and future of young Dems
Nick Fuentes is the face and future of young Republicans
Zohran Mandani is the face and future of young Dems
Nick Fuentes is the face and future of young Republicans
November 5, 2025 at 12:42 PM
Some would challenge whether these precise conclusions are ultimately *true*, but hard to argue with Posner's read of the media *narratives* here.
To put a religion spin on it:
Hero to young Dems: a pluralist Muslim
Hero to young GOPers: a white nationalist & self-described Christian nationalist
To put a religion spin on it:
Hero to young Dems: a pluralist Muslim
Hero to young GOPers: a white nationalist & self-described Christian nationalist
Reposted by Cole Cloyd
Absolutely disgusting response from Turning Point USA's spokesperson here, who targeted some random teachers and rained hell on their lives because he couldn't fathom not trying to squeeze some more engagement bait out of his dead boss.
November 4, 2025 at 10:43 PM
Absolutely disgusting response from Turning Point USA's spokesperson here, who targeted some random teachers and rained hell on their lives because he couldn't fathom not trying to squeeze some more engagement bait out of his dead boss.
Reposted by Cole Cloyd
This is wild.
The full quote is: “I’m sure you’re aware of our connections with the Trump Administration and I’m sure they would be interested in this matter.”
Just a…straight-up threat against a media outlet implying that the federal government would retaliate against them?
The full quote is: “I’m sure you’re aware of our connections with the Trump Administration and I’m sure they would be interested in this matter.”
Just a…straight-up threat against a media outlet implying that the federal government would retaliate against them?
“I’m sure you’re aware of our connections with the Trump Administration,” the North Carolina Republican Party's communications director wrote in an email response to us. “I would strongly suggest dropping this story.”
We didn't. Read the story that he wanted dropped:
We didn't. Read the story that he wanted dropped:
“Biblical Justice, Equal Justice, for All”: How North Carolina’s Chief Justice Transformed His State and America
Paul Newby, a born-again Christian, has turned his perch atop North Carolina’s Supreme Court into an instrument of political power. Over two decades, he’s driven changes that have reverberated well be...
www.propublica.org
November 3, 2025 at 10:30 AM
This is wild.
The full quote is: “I’m sure you’re aware of our connections with the Trump Administration and I’m sure they would be interested in this matter.”
Just a…straight-up threat against a media outlet implying that the federal government would retaliate against them?
The full quote is: “I’m sure you’re aware of our connections with the Trump Administration and I’m sure they would be interested in this matter.”
Just a…straight-up threat against a media outlet implying that the federal government would retaliate against them?
Reposted by Cole Cloyd
Maybe you saw that Tucker Carlson interview with Nick Fuentes and you’re wondering “who the hell is that guy?” Well, we have a podcast episode for you, feat @noturtlesoup17.bsky.social
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/p...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/p...
021: Who the Hell is Nick Fuentes? feat. Amanda Moore
Podcast Episode · Posting Through It · 06/09/2025 · 2h 8m
podcasts.apple.com
October 28, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Maybe you saw that Tucker Carlson interview with Nick Fuentes and you’re wondering “who the hell is that guy?” Well, we have a podcast episode for you, feat @noturtlesoup17.bsky.social
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/p...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/p...
Reposted by Cole Cloyd
Delayed thing about this: The pastor who was shot in the head with pepper balls is from the PC(USA), the largest Presbyterian denomination in the U.S.
You know who else used to be a member of that tradition?
Donald Trump.
But in 2020, he stopped IDing that way, saying he's now non-denominational.
You know who else used to be a member of that tradition?
Donald Trump.
But in 2020, he stopped IDing that way, saying he's now non-denominational.
Gonna be thinking about this lede for a minute.
October 15, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Delayed thing about this: The pastor who was shot in the head with pepper balls is from the PC(USA), the largest Presbyterian denomination in the U.S.
You know who else used to be a member of that tradition?
Donald Trump.
But in 2020, he stopped IDing that way, saying he's now non-denominational.
You know who else used to be a member of that tradition?
Donald Trump.
But in 2020, he stopped IDing that way, saying he's now non-denominational.
Reposted by Cole Cloyd
OUT NOW: @michaelehayden.bsky.social and I made one of our “Who the Hell?” episodes for Charlie Kirk to counter the gross revisionism and lies in mainstream press. We covered how he died and how he lived — honestly
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s...
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/4Pxo...
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s...
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/4Pxo...
036: Who the Hell Was Charlie Kirk?
Podcast Episode · Posting Through It · 09/13/2025 · 1h 31m
podcasts.apple.com
September 13, 2025 at 12:52 PM
OUT NOW: @michaelehayden.bsky.social and I made one of our “Who the Hell?” episodes for Charlie Kirk to counter the gross revisionism and lies in mainstream press. We covered how he died and how he lived — honestly
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s...
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/4Pxo...
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s...
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/4Pxo...
Reposted by Cole Cloyd
Kirk's widow is live from the TPUSA studio and it's live on the local networks rn. She says that AmericaFest will still happen in Phoenix this year and Kirk's podcast will continue without him.
September 13, 2025 at 12:46 AM
Kirk's widow is live from the TPUSA studio and it's live on the local networks rn. She says that AmericaFest will still happen in Phoenix this year and Kirk's podcast will continue without him.
Reposted by Cole Cloyd
What is “transgender and antifascist ideology?” I know the debate about platforming the words of killers, but this is not really helpful if we only have that nebulous description to go off of
Ammunition engraved with transgender and antifascist ideology was found inside the rifle authorities believe was used in Kirk’s shooting, sources say.
Ammunition in Kirk Shooting Engraved with Transgender, Antifascist Ideology: Sources
Investigators found ammunition engraved with expressions of transgender and antifascist ideology inside the rifle that authorities believe was used in the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, according to an internal law enforcement bulletin and a person familiar with the investigation.
The older-model
on.wsj.com
September 11, 2025 at 2:55 PM
What is “transgender and antifascist ideology?” I know the debate about platforming the words of killers, but this is not really helpful if we only have that nebulous description to go off of
Reposted by Cole Cloyd
Don't be surprised if whoever killed Charlie Kirk has no coherent political ideology, didn't do it for any particular reason, and doesn’t fall anywhere neat on the left/right paradigm.
September 10, 2025 at 10:13 PM
Don't be surprised if whoever killed Charlie Kirk has no coherent political ideology, didn't do it for any particular reason, and doesn’t fall anywhere neat on the left/right paradigm.
Reposted by Cole Cloyd
If I have any credibility with you from 20 years of reporting on rightwing & fascist movements, please listen when I beg you not to celebrate Charlie Kirk getting shot. Leave aside morality: this isn’t a match in dry grass, it’s a torch. We do not want what this could ignite & we would not win.
September 10, 2025 at 7:00 PM
If I have any credibility with you from 20 years of reporting on rightwing & fascist movements, please listen when I beg you not to celebrate Charlie Kirk getting shot. Leave aside morality: this isn’t a match in dry grass, it’s a torch. We do not want what this could ignite & we would not win.