Although in a few cases they mobilized in support of Trump ahead of the 2024 election, it was generally quite lackluster, especially compared to 2020. This fueled speculation that the gang was on its last legs.
Then, on Monday, as Trump took the oath of office, more than 100 proud boys in uniform marched through the streets of Washington, DC, led by their South Florida chapter.
It was a poignant scene — one that seemed intended to send a clear message: “We’re back.”
Since January 6, 2021, DC has been viewed by the far right as a no-go zone for Trump supporters of all stripes. But on Monday, the Proud Boys sang “Whose streets—our streets”. They received a hero’s welcome from other Trump supporters in the crowd, as seen on video recorded by freelance journalist Ford Fischer.
On Tuesday, as bureaucratic snafus delayed the release of about a dozen January 6th-ers from the DC jail, protesters gathered outside. Among them were at least four proud boys in uniform. Although three of them covered their faces, they milled about with what seemed to be no concern for stigma from others present. Oath Keeper founder Stewart Rhodes, whose 18-year sentence for seditious conspiracy was commuted by Trump, also appeared outside of prison — having walked out of a federal prison in Maryland the night before.
Speaking outside the prison during the impromptu rally, one of the proud boys present identified himself as “Harry Fox”. (It was the same name other Proud Sons gave reporters on Inauguration Day.)
“Donald Trump is back, baby. He’s back, and he’s stronger than ever,” he said over the microphone. “I’m so proud of what the American citizens did that day,” he added, referring to Jan. 6, “to finally stand up after decades of abuse and oppression by an authoritarian regime.”
He concluded his speech with the Proud Boys slogan: “I am a Western chauvinist, and I will not apologize for having created the modern world.” The crowd cheered.
In his phone call to Jones on Tuesday, Tarrio made it clear that he sees the role of the Proud Boys as no different than it was four years ago — he sees them as the foot soldiers and the muscle of the GOP. “I think the future of the club will be what it has always been,” said Tarrio. “A group of men who love America, come around and drink beer, and protect Trump supporters from assault … We will defend ourselves and Trump supporters from being assaulted for their political views.”
He suggested that he felt vindicated by Trump’s election victory and decided to pardon almost everyone involved in the January 6 riots. “We went through hell, and I’m going to tell you: It was worth it,” Tarrio told Jones. “What we stood for and what those guys stood for is what we fought for is what we saw yesterday on the inauguration stage… I can’t tell you it was easy. But I’ll tell you it was worth it.”