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Donald Trump Touts Endorsement Of Far-Right Activist Jerry Boykin

Donald Trump’s campaign released(link is external) a letter today touting the endorsements(link is external) of dozens of retired military leaders. High up on that list is retired Lt. Gen. William G. “Jerry” Boykin, who joined the Family Research Council after leaving the Army.

Trump, who has built his campaign (link is external) around(link is external) anti-Muslim(link is external) attacks(link is external), finds a natural ally in Boykin, whose anti-Muslim views are so extreme that he was reprimanded(link is external) by President George W. Bush for declaring—while speaking in uniform—that the U.S. was engaged in a holy war against Islam.

Boykin, the FRC’s executive vice president, has engaged in a wide range of bizarre conspiracy theories and extremist rhetoric. As we noted(link is external) back when Boykin endorsed Trump’s rival Ted Cruz, Boykin:

  • Thinks Christians should act more like ISIS(link is external) and be “willing to die” for their God.
  • Blamed Obama and his supporters for the shooting at an Oregon community college, adding that we here at Right Wing Watch use “the exact same tactics” as ISIS and Al Qaeda to encourage attacks on Christians(link is external).
  • Warned that Muslim-Americans, including Hillary Clinton aide Huma Abedin and John Kerry’s son-in-law, are undermining national security(link is external).
  • Suggested that the repeal(link is external) of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell led to the “absolute destruction” of our military.
  • Said that “God’s army(link is external)” must fight the “evil” of gay rights.