Eric Lendrum, formerly a speechwriter for South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, is being rightfully condemned for his recently-exposed incendiary social media activity. His comments on the podcast showcase a long history of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and extremist political ideology. The Daily Beast and Notus have covered Lendrum’s incendiary rhetoric at length. They point to his hateful rhetoric against trans people and his suggesting that American conservatives are like members of historically discriminated against communities.
Lendrum frequently and openly uses his online platform to call transgender people “child molesters.” He saves special vitriol for LGBTQ people, whom he calls “freaks.” His incendiary rhetoric has raised legitimate concerns about his effect on public discourse. This is doubly worrisome given his influence in crafting political rhetoric for one of the state’s most powerful elected officials.
In December 2021, Lendrum appeared to defend participants of the January 6 insurrection, saying they were “being persecuted for their patriotism.” His podcast has hosted discussions that align with extremist ideologies, including his assertion that the racist great replacement conspiracy theory is “real” and is already being implemented in parts of Europe.
Lendrum’s inflammatory rhetoric has gone beyond just social media. In October 2022, he claimed that the great replacement theory was “already being put into effect in some European cities.” He further stirred controversy by likening the plight of American conservatives to that of enslaved people and Jewish individuals during the Nazi regime, stating, “Actress Gina Carano was right; American conservatives are, right now, on a course for being every bit as ostracized and alienated from broader society as Jews were in the years leading up to Nazi Germany.”
It’s his rhetoric that has garnered condemnation from nearly all corners. Commentators are rightly concerned that allowing this type of speech will continue the normalization of hate and extremist views into our political discourse. Lendrum’s remarks should lead to grave concern regarding the collective duty of everyone who occupies powerful roles within government and media.
In a particularly alarming post, Lendrum suggested violent action against LGBTQ+ individuals, stating, “Cars are bigger and heavier than any one of these freaks. All it takes is one brave driver to do what needs to be done, then others will follow.” This statement has led to widespread outrage and calls for accountability.
Lendrum’s recent social media activity included sharing a video depicting mass protests against Israel’s war on Gaza in 2023, further complicating the public’s perception of his views. The discord between his radical statements and this material has led many to consider the more dangerous undertones of his speech.