White Supremacist Group's July 4th Parade Sparks Debate; Interior Secretary: It's Free Speech

WASHINGTON (CNA) -- Federal officials have no reason to stop a white supremacist group from holding a July 4th rally and parade in Washington, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said Sunday, citing free speech protections.

Burgum told CNN's "State of the Union" that hundreds of masked members of the Patriot Front group marching in Washington on Independence Day did not break any laws.

Burgum said that while he "absolutely disagrees" with the group's white supremacist and anti-immigrant ideology, they are protected by free speech, even if it "makes democracy look messy."

He said protesters criticizing President Donald Trump on the National Mall in Washington have the same rights because the United States protects free speech.

Burgum declined to say whether he condemned the Patriot Front or if he would advise Trump to condemn them. He also tried to downplay the incident, calling them a minor exception among many events commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence.

The Patriot Front has criticized democracy. The group published a manifesto on its website stating that "democracy has failed this once-great nation" and that the U.S. needs a "forced reboot" to "restore the traditions and virtues of our ancestors." By ancestors, they refer to past European settlers.

Yesterday, Patriot Front members marched to the sound of drums past the Capitol Building and near Union Station before taking the subway to the suburbs of Washington. (Intern Editor: Zhuo You'an / Editor: Hong Pei-ying) 1150706

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