Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Drew Angerer
Kyle Rittenhouse, the conservative activist who gained notoriety following a 2020 shooting incident during a demonstration against police brutality in Kenosha, Wisconsin, has made headlines again. Initially charged with several serious offenses, including murder and carrying a hazardous weapon, Rittenhouse claimed self-defense and was ultimately found not guilty.
His case drew significant support from MAGA circles and former President Donald Trump. However, after Rittenhouse expressed reluctance to support Trump, the backlash from his MAGA supporters was swift and intense. Rittenhouse, who had previously been a staunch supporter of Trump, reversed his position after receiving criticism from the MAGA community.
In a statement obtained by The US Sun, Rittenhouse said, “Over the past 12 hours, I’ve had a series of productive conversations with members of Trump’s team and I am confident he will be the strong ally gun owners need to defend our Second Amendment rights. My comments made last night were ill-informed and unproductive. I’m 100% behind Donald Trump and encourage every gun owner to join me in helping send him back to the White House.”
Despite his attempt to make amends, MAGA supporters were not quick to forgive him. On social media, reactions ranged from mockery to cautious support. One X user commented, “I was harder on you than anyone, but I can’t hold a grudge when a man apologizes. Just remember, when it was political poison to take your side, Trump and MAGA were there for you during your lowest point.”
Another supporter added, “That was the wildest rollercoaster ride I’ve ever seen, and the funny thing is it didn’t even last 12 hours. Hope you learned your lesson because you lost over 42,697 followers with that little announcement. Yikes.” The backlash continued as some users mocked Rittenhouse’s swift change of heart, with one noting, “Lost 100k followers and thought about it,” while another offered a more supportive tone: “Good move Kyle. I’m glad you listened to the feedback.
I respect Ron Paul a lot and I think it’s great that you are a supporter of his, but the best way forward to protect the Second Amendment is through Donald Trump. The alternative is worse than you can imagine.” Earlier, Rittenhouse had expressed support for Congressman Ron Paul, arguing that Paul would be a stronger advocate for gun rights than Trump.
In a now-deleted tweet, he criticized Trump’s advisors and stated, “If you cannot be completely uncompromising on the Second Amendment, I will not vote for you.” However, following significant backlash, Rittenhouse deleted the video and a picture with Congressman Paul, reaffirming his support for Trump.
