Few groups on AU’s campus have the same level of notoriety as the AU College Republicans. Whether due to their poorly considered policy positions, their willingness to entertain conspiracy theories, or their disregard for the judicial system, one thing is abundantly clear: the AU College Republicans exhibit anti-intellectualism at an alarming rate. They routinely make bold claims without credible evidence, a hallmark of anti-intellectual movements that reject critical thought and reasoned debate.

Exhibit A: Disregarding the Validity of Trump’s Criminal Trial in New York

On May 30th, a Manhattan jury found Donald Trump guilty on 34 counts of first-degree falsifying business records. The charges stem from hush money payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels to conceal an alleged affair during his marriage. Despite the clear-cut verdict, AU College Republicans quickly dismissed it as a "sham trial"—a claim made without any evidence whatsoever. This disregard for established judicial proceedings underscores a broader pattern within the AUCR: making baseless accusations as if factual evidence itself were their adversary.

It would be enlightening to ask each AUCR member which part of the trial they believe was a sham. I suspect, however, they’d struggle to provide a coherent answer. The irony lies in their unwavering defense of a millionaire who, beyond empty promises, has done little to benefit them in the slightest. Trump’s trial in New York adhered to the same standards as any other trial related to business fraud. What’s even more ironic is AUCR’s apparent defense of a man who cheated on his wife and then attempted to conceal it. For a group that wants to promote conservative values, one would expect fidelity to be part of those values. Perhaps they should start an “Infidelity Club” to align their support for candidates like Trump without compromising their professed values.

Exhibit B: Promoting the Conspiracy That Haitian Migrants Are Eating Ducks and Kittens in Ohio

It’s almost surreal to type this subheader, yet here we are: in early October, the AUCR faced backlash after promoting the unfounded conspiracy that Haitian migrants were eating ducks and kittens in Ohio. The Eagle first reported on AUCR’s now-deleted Instagram post that included an AI-generated image of Donald Trump holding a cat and duck, with a caption reading “Protect our ducks and kittens.” This conspiracy, which Trump spread during his campaign, falsely claimed that Haitian migrants were eating pets in Springfield, Ohio. Politifact, Reuters, and The New York Times have thoroughly debunked this baseless claim. Nonetheless, AUCR chose to amplify it, seemingly unconcerned with its complete lack of factual grounding.

Why let reality spoil a good conspiracy theory? The AUCR’s choice to share this story—despite it being debunked by mainstream media—reflects a troubling mistrust of credible news sources and fuels anti-intellectual attitudes that reject verified information.

Exhibit C: Falsely Claiming Tim Walz Committed Stolen Valor

Just when it seemed the College Republicans couldn’t stoop lower, they attacked veteran Tim Walz, questioning his honorable military service. In a recent post meant to rally their supporters for the vice-presidential debate, they went so far as to mock Walz, referring to him as “Mr. Stolen Valor” in a blatant attempt to tarnish his service record. Walz joined the National Guard in 1981, serving for 24 years and deploying overseas to aid in disaster relief, placing his life on the line for his country in times of crisis.

For most Republican Americans, such a record would clearly qualify as honorable and deserving of respect. Yet AUCR seems to disregard that, choosing instead to launch baseless attacks on Walz’s character. Ironically, this position aligns with their support for a candidate who has openly disrespected veterans, even decorated war heroes like the late Senator John McCain. This latest incident speaks volumes about the lengths they’ll go to back candidates who demean and belittle the sacrifices of real veterans, underscoring their disregard for basic respect and decency. I find it funny, how a group so open in their support of veterans, would demean one like Walz.

Conclusion

The AU College Republicans have no respect for the truth of many matters at hand. While they propagate lies and misinformation, they harness the attention of young disillusioned voters. This is dangerous. The AU College Republicans do not have a fundamental understanding of many of the things they talk about, and yet they still talk.

What is most unfortunate about these tactics used by the AU College Republicans is the fact that they worked. These anti-intellectual talking points provided Donald Trump with the fuel he needed to secure the win in 2024. Anti-intellectualism is on the rise in America, particularly in rural areas. Very little is being done to combat this wave of anti-intellectualism, because it is spreading so alarmingly quickly. Groups like AUCR rely on lies and misinformation to convince potential voters to swing one way. This misinformation must be combatted.

A Year of Anti-Intellectualism: A Brief Review of the AU College Republicans’ Mishaps in 2024.