Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is facing sharp criticism online after endorsing a new book by Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, that labels political opponents as “fascists.”
Clinton posted a photo of Weingarten holding the book Why Fascists Fear Teachers, along with a message praising the work.
“Randi’s new book is a critical read for this moment,” Clinton wrote on social media Thursday.
Conservatives immediately condemned the post, arguing that Clinton and Weingarten are perpetuating rhetoric that demonizes political opponents.
Republican communicator Matt Whitlock noted, “It’s been one week since Charlie Kirk was murdered by a lunatic who wrote about ‘fascists’ on shell casings. Now, Randi Weingarten has a new book arguing everyone who disagrees with her views on public education is a fascist.”
Other critics joined in, highlighting the timing of the endorsement just one week after Kirk’s assassination.
Corey DeAngelis, senior fellow at the American Culture Project, tweeted, “Hillary Clinton and Randi Weingarten are going full speed ahead with this disgusting rhetoric right after Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Sick people.”
Conservative influencer Jack Posobiec added, “Charlie Kirk was murdered exactly one week ago. Here’s Hillary Clinton today.”
Critics on social media also pointed to the book’s approach, claiming it misrepresents political opponents and contributes to a divisive atmosphere, the Conservative Brief reported.
Huntington Beach City Council member Andrew Gruel wrote, “They wrote an entire book on a word they don’t even understand.” Even the Republican National Committee noted, “Democrats Hillary Clinton and Randi Weingarten are still suggesting Republicans are ‘fascists.’ They really can’t help themselves, can they?”
Weingarten defended her book, telling Fox News that it is “a love letter to teachers.”
The book’s preview emphasizes her belief that fascist regimes historically target education, banning books and controlling curriculum, and suggests that teachers play a key role in fostering independent thinking.
“Fascists fear teachers because teachers foster an educated and empowered population that can see past propaganda and scare tactics,” the preview reads. “Fascists fear teachers because they teach young people how to think for themselves.”
Despite Weingarten’s defense, conservatives argue that the book and Clinton’s promotion of it are part of a broader left-wing pattern of labeling political adversaries as dangerous extremists. Many on the right point to longstanding rhetoric from the left calling figures like Kirk “fascists” and say such labeling contributed to the political climate surrounding his murder.
Even former President Barack Obama weighed in on the assassination, describing Kirk’s death as “horrific and a tragedy.”
However, Obama also linked the incident to broader political division, suggesting rhetoric from the Trump administration had fueled national discord. Critics on the right quickly countered, saying that left-wing figures like Clinton and Weingarten have equally stoked division and demonized conservatives.
The backlash against Clinton underscores heightened tensions following Kirk’s assassination and the sensitivity surrounding politically charged language. Social media has become a battleground for these disputes, with critics emphasizing the perceived irresponsibility of promoting divisive rhetoric amid real-world violence.
As the debate continues, Clinton’s post remains a flashpoint in discussions about political discourse, media influence, and the role of public figures in shaping national sentiment.
Conservatives argue the timing and content of her endorsement are inexcusable, while defenders maintain that Clinton was simply promoting a book focused on the importance of education in democratic society.
