Former Republican Congressman Charlie Dent dismissed a Trump supporter’s comments as “wild conspiracy theory stuff” after the caller claimed opposition to Donald Trump was rooted in “Satan” and “the dark arts.” The interaction unfolded on C-SPAN’s Washington Journal, where the Nevada caller, identified as Keith, defended Trump’s statements that liberals represent “the enemy within.”
Keith argued that Trump’s comments aligned with the Constitution’s reference to “enemies, foreign or domestic.” “Yes, actually, Congressman, the Constitution says either foreign or domestic, there are enemies within, and that’s what Donald Trump is talking about, is the domestic enemies of America,” he said. “They hate the Constitution. They are un-American in that regard.”
Dent, curious about Keith’s perspective, asked, “Who are the enemies?”
Keith replied, “I’m talking about all the neocons. Maybe you’re part of it.” He then launched into a conspiracy theory, referencing former Speaker Newt Gingrich’s claim that Trump faced opposition from “the people of the deep state” because “he’s never been initiated into the dark arts.”
Puzzled, Dent pressed, “What are the dark arts? I mean, help me out.”
Keith responded with an elaborate theory, claiming that “secret societies” and influential think tanks, such as the Rockefeller Institution, control the world along with billionaires like the Rothschilds. “There’s a pyramid, the all-seeing eye. That’s all Masonic, and it’s literally satanic,” he said, referencing symbols found on U.S. currency.
The C-SPAN host quickly disconnected the call following this statement.
“Cuckoo!” Dent exclaimed afterward, dismissing the caller’s assertions. “That’s all wild conspiracy theory stuff. He’s going on about the billionaires. Elon Musk is standing up there on the stage with Donald Trump.” Dent pointed out the inconsistency, saying, “Donald Trump has billionaire support. He’s a billionaire himself. I mean, this guy’s talking about billionaires in this conspiracy.”
Dent’s reaction underscores the frequent clashes between mainstream Republican figures and segments of Trump’s base who embrace fringe theories. His response highlighted the irony of Trump being both a billionaire and supported by prominent wealthy individuals while also being cast by some supporters as opposed to an elite “deep state.”