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Conservative influencer Nick Fuentes refused to endorse former President Donald Trump on Thursday following the Republican National Convention (RNC). The reaction comes after Trump delivered his first speech since an assassination attempt during a campaign event over the previous weekend. Fuentes, known for his controversial views and a significant following on platforms like Rumble, made his sentiments clear during a livestream where he expressed his disinterest in the political proceedings and candidates.

During the livestream, Fuentes stated, "I'm not a Republican and I don't care that much and I'm not going to turn out." He emphasized his lack of enthusiasm for the upcoming election, questioning the worth of voting for candidates like JD Vance and Usha. His strong words reflect a growing discontent among some conservative factions regarding the current Republican leadership and direction.

Fuentes went on to declare, "As a real conservative, as a real right-wing American, you could not force me to care about this. You could not bribe me to care. I don't care. I don't even want to look at it anymore." This rejection of Trump's endorsement highlights the fractures within the conservative movement, where figures like Fuentes are increasingly vocal about their dissatisfaction with mainstream Republican candidates.

Newsweek has reached out to Trump's spokesperson for comment regarding Fuentes' refusal. Meanwhile, Trump's keynote address at the RNC was significant as it marked his formal acceptance of the GOP's nomination for the 2024 election. His speech was a culmination of events that have transpired since the assassination attempt, where he suffered an injury and witnessed chaos at a rally.

In a poignant moment during his address, Trump honored former fire chief Corey Comperatore, who was tragically killed during a recent campaign event. The speech also touched upon the incident involving Thomas Matthew Crooks, who fired a shot at Trump while he was speaking in Pennsylvania. The Secret Service responded, resulting in Crooks being killed and several others injured.

Trump concluded his speech amidst chants of "win" from the audience, promising to "save this country" and to "usher in the rich and wonderful tomorrows that our people so truly deserve." The energy in the room suggested a strong desire among his supporters for a return to power.

Fuentes gained notoriety after attending the "Unite the Right" rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017. His controversial statements, including a comparison between the Holocaust and baking cookies, have contributed to his reputation as a divisive figure within the conservative movement. The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has labeled him a "white nationalist livestreamer," indicating the extreme views he advocates.

In 2022, Trump faced backlash for dining with Fuentes and rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, at his Mar-a-Lago estate. Trump defended himself by claiming he had no prior knowledge of Fuentes and his controversial background, which has left many questioning Trump's judgment and associations.

Meghan McCain, daughter of the late Senator John McCain, expressed in 2022 that Trump's dinner with Fuentes reflects his unfitness for the presidency. She highlighted the silence of the Republican Party as a significant issue following the revelations about Trump's associations with controversial figures. Former Republican Congressman Joe Walsh, who once supported Trump, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the problem lies not just in Trump's actions but in the lack of accountability within the party.

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