Conservative Relocation Amidst Perceived Secular Hostility
Several key figures from the Claremont Institute, a pro-Trump think tank initially based in Southern California, have relocated to more conservative-friendly states. Claremont's president, Ryan P. Williams, moved to the Dallas-Fort Worth area in April 2024, joining multiple colleagues, including Michael Anton, who made the move two years prior. This migration reflects their dissatisfaction with what they perceive as an increasingly hostile secular culture.
These individuals view their movement as part of a broader effort to reclaim the values of Western civilization, emphasizing Christian values, larger families, and fewer immigrants. They predict conservative havens featuring classical architecture and traditional aesthetics. Their ambitions also include bolstering local leadership and reducing federal government influence.
Among the relocations is the establishment of the Society for American Civic Renewal (SACR), an invitation-only Christian social organization aimed at cultivating potential appointees for a future Trump administration. While the group's rhetoric is broad, their activities include themed social events and professional networking.
Critics argue this movement aligns with extremist elements on the right. SACR's initial funding came from Charles Haywood, known for provocative statements linking closely to right-wing violence and racism.
Separately, Josh Abbotoy is spearheading a project to create conservative communities in Tennessee, balancing his professional network's resources with personal ideological goals. He aims to develop a corridor of conservative towns, fostering a culture aligned with his values.
Overall, this migration underscores a deliberate push by conservative thinkers to establish ideological strongholds in various parts of the United States.