Wendy Rogers’ Pro-Nazi Lyrics Resurface Amid Ongoing Antisemitism Controversy

Flagstaff Republican state Senator Wendy Rogers has sparked controversy following a social media post celebrating the success of far-right parties in Germany. The post included the phrase “Deutschland, Deutschland über alles,” lyrics from the German national anthem that were banned post-World War II due to their association with Nazi nationalism.

This provocative declaration on X, formerly known as Twitter, has drawn scrutiny from both local and national media. In response to the backlash, Rogers dismissed the criticism, labeling it as a smear campaign fueled by “Soros-funded” media, a reference that invokes longstanding antisemitic conspiracy theories linking George Soros to Jewish control of the press.

Rogers, a retired U.S. Air Force pilot, defended her military lineage, emphasizing her family’s history of service against Germany in both World Wars. She characterized accusations of personal affiliation with Nazism as “laughable” and defended her admiration for contemporary Germany, insisting it does not imply alignment with far-right ideologies.

Senate President Warren Petersen publicly supported Rogers, asserting that she has never supported Nazis. However, Rogers’ history is marred by accusations of promoting racist and antisemitic figures and ideas. Since her election in 2020, she has cultivated a significant following on social media, leveraging this influence to champion election-related conspiracy theories and garner financial support.

Rogers has frequently amplified far-right rhetoric and engaged with extremist groups. Her appearances on platforms that have propagated antisemitic views have raised alarm about her political affiliations. Notably, she has been associated with TruNews, a network known for disseminating antisemitic statements. During her appearances, she was interviewed by Lauren Witzke, a personality with ties to white nationalism.

Rogers has notably endorsed the Great Replacement theory, a concept often cited by white supremacists claiming that immigrants are intentionally displacing white Americans. This notion has fostered violence in the past, including prominent attacks linked to white nationalist ideology.

Her involvement in various polarizing events, such as a QAnon conference featuring antisemitic imagery and addressing a gathering tied to known extremists like Nick Fuentes, has further blurred the lines between her political actions and extremist affiliations.

Research tracking extremism in recent years indicates a disturbing growth in racist rhetoric, significantly attributed to figures such as Rogers. As she has aligned more closely with extremist views, questions concerning her accountability and the implications of her rhetoric continue to reverberate within political circles.

The controversy surrounding her continues to unravel, with many questioning the broader influence of such ideologies within American politics, especially when prominent lawmakers engage with them directly. Rogers’ approach appears more strategic as she rallies support among radical factions, complicating the political landscape in Arizona.