A video retweeted by a DeSantis staffer stirred new controversy. Was there a Nazi symbol?

The DeSantis campaign came under fire this past weekend following the retweet of a video with Nazi imagery by the campaign's speechwriter, Nate Hochman. It has not been determined whether the video was made in-house by a DeSantis staffer or if it was created by a fan.

The video, lasting 1 minute and nine seconds, depicts a "wojack," becoming happy over Florida Gov. DeSantis' policies against the LGBTQIA+ community and attacks on education within Florida and diversity, equity and inclusion. The final seconds of the video features Florida's state flag being imposed by a sonnenrad, a popular choice for modern neo-nazi and white supremacist symbolism. Wojacks, stick-figure like drawings which are used to depict generalized feelings and situations, are another popular concept among neo-nazis. The memes are also referred to as "doomers."

It is unknown whether Hochman saw the sonnenrad prior to retweeting. He deleted his post once the video gained traction and has yet to comment publicly on the matter. Hochman was highlighted for his conviction as a 'counterrevolutionary' and the 'young MAGA Whisperer' by The New Republic.

Neither Hochman nor the DeSantis campaign have not responded to requests for comment.

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How is the DeSantis campaign holding up?

DeSantis is currently polling second behind former President Donald Trump for the GOP nomination in the 2024 presidential election. Issues with campaign expenses led to a temporary retreat with donors and campaign staff in order to change strategies and messaging efforts.

The recently revealed incident is the second recent video stirring controversy around DeSantis' struggling campaign. The other video bashes former President Trump for his policy choices concerning members of the LGBTQIA+ community. In a podcast interview with conservative commentator Tomi Lahren, DeSantis defended the video as "fair game," due to the former president's hypocrisy and role in being a "pioneer in injecting gender ideology into the mainstream."

DeSantis has faced criticism before for neo-nazis who attend his rallies and support his bid for president. In light of the criticism, DeSantis has refused to comment outside of saying that his opponents are "attempting to smear" him by questioning the presence of neo-nazi supporters.

What is the 'sonnenrad?'

The sonnenrad, otherwise known as the black sun or sunwheel, is one of the symbols appropriated by the Nazi party in order to create their idealized version of aryan/norse heritage. To the Schutzstaffel (SS), the rune stood for "victory." Historians are unsure of where the symbol originated, it is assumed that it is inspired by similar symbols and meaning based in ancient Germanic folklore.

The swastika and many other prominent symbols of Nazism are altered forms of the sonnenrad. Despite this, not all uses of the sonnenrad are based out of admiration for the SS. Historians suggest analyzing the symbol through the lens of the culture it is being used by since it was a cultural symbol long before the Nazis gained power in the early 20th century.

The black sun was seen often in Nazi Germany during its reign, even decorating the halls of the Wewelsburg Castle during its time as SS Headquarters. The castle, which was a meeting place for the highest-ranking individuals of the Nazis, featured the symbol on its floor in the north tower.

Who created the black sun?

Heinrich Himmler is the supposed architect of the sonnenrad's association with the Nazi party and a former general of the SS. Historians credit him with creating the association because he led the effort to have the symbol placed on the north tower floor of Wewelsburg Castle, and because of his fascination with Germanic folklore and pagan belief systems.

Himmler, who was born to a middle-class family in Munich, Germany, and graduated with a degree in agriculture from the Technical University of Munich, became involved in right-wing groups promoting racist and nationalistic material during his studies, which fueled him to join the Nazi party in 1923.

When did the sonnenrad become a core part of Nazism?

Although the Nazis utilized the sonnenrad often, it was not as popular of a symbol during their reign as it is today. Following the release of the novel "Die Schwarze Sonne von Tashi Lhunpo" by German journalist Stefan Mogle-Stadel, the link between the black sun and the SS was established and has since been used by neo-nazis and white supremacists for further propaganda.

There is no record of Himmler or other members of the Nazi party referring to the sonnenrad as the black sun, it is an association that was made after the release of Mogle-Stadel's novel.

Where have we seen the black sun?

Along with the sonnenrad being popular among neo-nazis, the black sun and similar imagery have been adorned by soldiers in Ukraine and in the manifestos of mass shooters including the Buffalo, New York, supermarket killer and Christchurch, New Zealand, shooter.

Neo-nazis use the symbol in multiple places today, including apparel, on vehicles and other merchandise. They are also sometimes included in social media posts.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Ron DeSantis' campaign speechwriter under fire over video retweet