Unauthorized Election-Day Cookout for Trump Supporters

In Mesa, Arizona, on Election Day, an assembly of America First advocates known as 'groypers,' college Republicans, and a Christian nationalist preacher distributed complimentary burgers and hot dogs near a Phoenix polling site. However, these treats were exclusively for individuals casting their votes for Donald Trump.

This barbecue event was located approximately 100 meters from a voting center, potentially violating laws pertaining to election activities.

The initiative was spearheaded by the far-right College Republicans United, working alongside the Patriot Party of Arizona. The unofficial event commenced soon after the polling stations opened their doors at the Mesa Convention Center. Groypers, followers of the white nationalist figure Nick Fuentes, took part in distributing sausages, hamburgers, and refreshments. At the helm of the grill was Pastor David MacLellan, affiliated with the Patriot Party, who holds Christian nationalist beliefs.

Pastor MacLellan was quoted by WIRED saying, “We’re handing out hot dogs and burgers to those making the right decision by voting for Trump.”

Isaiah, who identifies as a groyper and declined to reveal his surname, acknowledged the partisan nature of the food giveaway, noting: “While the food is intended for Trump supporters, others are welcome if they reconsider their choice.”

Federal statutes make it unlawful to offer incentives at polling places specifically targeting voters of a single candidate.

UCLA legal professor Rick Hasen pointed out that, according to federal law, it's not permissible to provide offerings solely to a candidate's voters at polling venues. Such provisions must be accessible to every individual nearby, including minors and those not eligible to vote, to avoid contravening prohibitions on vote buying.

There was no response from the Arizona Secretary of State’s office, responsible for setting regulations on polling site conduct, when asked for a statement.

Formed in 2018, College Republicans United was initiated by Rick Thomas, who is also involved with the Arizona Patriot Party. His motivation stemmed from dissatisfaction with an existing Republican students' group at Arizona State University.

Thomas told WIRED about the organization's origins: “We chose to branch off to create a distinctly pro-Trump entity. We prioritize America first, aligning with MAGA ideals.”

Although not all associates of College Republicans United are affiliates of Fuentes’ group, significant overlap exists, as stated by Isaiah in conversation with WIRED.

Despite Thomas depicting their organization as primarily conventional, the group's website features book suggestions that include fiercely antisemitic titles, notably 'The Protocols of the Elders of Zion' and Henry Ford’s 'The International Jew: The World’s Foremost Problem.'

Controversial Nature of College Republicans United

An additional member of the organization, Kevin Decuyper, recently faced public scrutiny.

Nick Martin, an investigative journalist monitoring extremist factions in Arizona, remarked, “Numerous GOP entities have repudiated the College Republicans United. The group advocates reading materials that are heavily criticized for promoting racial pseudoscience and conspiracies. They’ve hosted speakers with ties to nationalism, neo-Nazism, and discredited conspiracy theories, with genuine Republicans being a rarity among them.”