'Free speech': Doug Burgum defends Patriot Front's right to march despite condemning group's views

WASHINGTON, DC: Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said on Sunday, July 5, that he strongly disagrees with the beliefs of the white nationalist group Patriot Front but defended its constitutional right to march in the nation's capital, citing the First Amendment's protections for free speech.

His remarks came after hundreds of masked members of the organization marched near the US Capitol during Fourth of July celebrations, prompting concern among residents and renewed scrutiny of extremist demonstrations in the nation's capital.

Doug Burgum defends Patriot Front's free speech

Approximately 400 masked Patriot Front members marched across Capitol Hill on Saturday, July 4, carrying the group's flags alongside Confederate flags while chanting, "Reclaim America."

Videos circulating online showed members moving through areas near Union Station and the US Capitol, while a widely shared photograph captured a Black woman seated on a Metro train surrounded by members of the group.

Speaking on CNN's 'State of the Union,' Burgum distanced himself from the group's ideology while defending its constitutional right to demonstrate. "What they stand for is nothing that I could possibly agree with," he said.

However, Burgum added that the First Amendment protects speech across the political spectrum, even when it is offensive.

"One of the foundational principles of the United States, which makes democracy messy, is free speech... There are plenty of things that I might personally find offensive, irreprehensible, but in America, free speech is allowed."

Burgum also described the demonstration as "a rare example" during a week in which many Independence Day events had focused on national unity around the American flag.

Doug Burgum won't urge Trump to condemn

Pressed on whether President Donald Trump should publicly condemn Patriot Front's presence in Washington, Burgum instead argued that constitutional protections extend to demonstrations regardless of political viewpoint.

"There are protests on the Mall that people say things that I think are irreprehensible about President Trump, and yet they're allowed to go on because of free speech in our country," he said.

After host Dana Bash noted that Patriot Front is a white nationalist organization, Burgum pointed to other demonstrations featuring inflammatory rhetoric.

"There are people that are saying death to Israel and death to America. This is part of free speech in America," he said. "We can object to it, but it is something that comes with free speech in America."

The Metropolitan Police Department said it "recognizes the rights of individuals to peacefully express their views and remains committed to maintaining public safety and security for DC residents and visitors."

Patriot Front was founded in 2017 following the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. The group's website rejects conventional electoral politics and describes American national identity as being rooted in European settlement.