Explore the emotional fallout faced by Tasha Adams, the ex-wife of Oath Keepers founder Stuart Rhodes, after his conviction for seditious conspiracy. She reflects on her tumultuous marriage and the broader societal impacts of his actions. Delve into the origins of extremist groups and their recruitment during societal shifts. Hear personal stories of individuals grappling with healing and justice in the wake of political turmoil, revealing complex dynamics in both personal relationships and community conflicts.
Tasha Adams shares her emotional struggle and fear of her ex-husband's potential commutation, highlighting its profound impact on her daily life.
Reflecting on her relationship with Stewart Rhodes reveals a journey from initial attraction to experiencing emotional abuse and understanding the Oath Keepers' dangerous shift.
Deep dives
Tasha Adams' Struggles with Fear and Isolation
Tasha Adams, the ex-wife of Stuart Rhodes, founder of the Oath Keepers, shares her emotional turmoil after the 2020 election, feeling completely shut down as her former husband faced possible commutation. She reflects on her feelings of despair even after initially being driven to speak out about her experience during his trial for seditious conspiracy. The fear of Stuart's potential release weighed heavily on her, affecting her ability to function in everyday life. Tasha's profound sense of isolation was exacerbated by the negative responses she received from the community around her, underscoring how deeply she felt the impact of Stuart's notoriety on her personal life.
The Dynamics of Their Marriage
Tasha recounts the early days of her relationship with Stuart, highlighting how his assertive personality initially drew her in despite the early signs of controlling behavior. She emphasizes the drastic shift in their dynamic following a severe eye injury he sustained, which placed her in a caretaking role that altered their relationship forever. As their marriage progressed, Tasha became increasingly aware of Stuart’s possessiveness, which evolved into emotional and psychological abuse as he manipulated her guilt and expectations. Despite her awareness of these issues, the combination of love, fear, and dependency overwhelmed her ability to break free from him.
The Oath Keepers and Stuart's Transformation
Tasha discusses the founding of the Oath Keepers, initially seeing it as a platform for Stuart to engage with like-minded individuals against government overreach. However, as the group's influence grew, she began to realize that it was becoming a source of radicalization rather than what she had hoped it would be. She reflects on a critical moment when Stuart gained media attention, revealing her mixed feelings of pride and fear as Chris Matthews challenged him directly about the group's militant undertones. This pivotal moment marked a turning point for Tasha, as she recognized that Stuart's ideals were increasingly dangerous and disconnected from her beliefs.
Life After Leaving Stuart
After leaving Stuart, Tasha experienced a tremendous shift in her life and that of her children, compounding the trauma they suffered during their marriage. As they slowly settled into a new routine, she expressed hope for a more stable future, albeit with lingering fears about Stuart's potential re-entry into their lives. Tasha detailed how she has prioritized her children's emotional well-being, noting their resilience and support for one another amidst their shared struggles. Despite feeling proud of her son Dakota's political aspirations, Tasha remains vigilant, grappling with the fear of what might happen should Stuart regain access to his former followers.
Micah joins Anna Sale on Death, Sex and Money to revisit their 2023 conversation with Tasha Adams, ex-wife of Stewart Rhodes the founder of the Oath Keepers. Rhodes was convicted of seditious conspiracy for his role in the January 6th insurrection –– prosecutors argued that members of the Oath Keepers used force to block the results of the election. He was sentenced to 18 years in prison.
Now he's out.
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