

He infiltrated America’s militias — and then spilled their secrets
20 snips Jan 23, 2025
Joshua Kaplan, a ProPublica reporter, dives into the tumultuous world of American militias. He discusses the ramifications of Donald Trump's pardons, which have reignited militia activity, highlighting experiences of an undercover operative who infiltrated these groups. Kaplan reveals the dual nature of militias — part community clubs, part paramilitary organizations — and the dangers of extremism, illustrated by a former member's struggle to leave. The conversation also explores the troubling connection between law enforcement and militia affiliations.
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Pardons Empower Militias
- Trump's pardons of January 6th rioters, including militia leaders, signal support for the movement.
- This support reverses the expected backlash and potentially empowers these groups.
Oklahoma City Bombing
- The Oklahoma City bombing in 1995 caused the militia movement to go dormant for over a decade.
- Many expected a similar decline after January 6th, but Trump's actions changed the narrative.
The Infiltrator
- ProPublica reporter Joshua Kaplan received an anonymous email from "John Williams," a militia infiltrator.
- Williams aimed to expose and damage the militia movement from within, motivated by the January 6th attacks.