A prominent fundraiser for the Michigan Democratic Party has drawn attention for a Veterans Day social media post commemorating his grandfather, who was a Nazi officer during World War II.
Kelly Newman, who organized a fundraiser for gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson and Senate candidate Mallory McMorrow, paid tribute to her grandfather, Albert Newman, a German military officer from World War II, referring to him as “one of my best friends.”
In her Facebook post on Veterans Day 2024, Newman shared a picture of a man in a Nazi uniform and praised her grandfather, stating, “His story is proof of the truth that people can change and that love can indeed triumph.” However, this post seems to have been removed from her account after Fox News Digital reached out for comments.
Newman expressed her gratitude, saying, “Happy Veterans Day to all my friends and family who served/have served in the military! Without you, America would not be here today.” She acknowledged her grandfather’s past, mentioning, “My grandfather, Albert Neumann, was on the German side in World War I and World War II,” and recounted how he fled to Brazil and later Detroit after Germany’s defeat, working hard to support his family despite not speaking English at the time.
She continued, “My grandfather was one of my best friends,” reflecting on how he accepted her when she was nervous about her sexuality. “I will never forget the way he held me and loved me for who I am,” she added, concluding that his story illustrates how transformation is possible and that love can conquer all.
The post has incited outrage online, with David Wolpe, a rabbi from Los Angeles, remarking that it was so shocking he had to verify its authenticity. Meanwhile, Republican gubernatorial candidate Aric Nesbitt commented, suggesting that the Democratic Party’s tolerance for such figures is baffling, urging Michigan to reject this behavior.
Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) criticized the Democrats, stating that when they reveal their stance, they should be taken seriously. She noted that it’s telling how the Democratic Party respects those with ties to actual Nazis despite labeling their opponents as such.
Newman, Benson, and McMorrow did not respond promptly to Fox News Digital’s requests for comments. Benson currently serves as Michigan’s Secretary of State, while McMorrow is seeking a seat in the U.S. Senate.
Beyond fundraising, Newman has contributed significant amounts to Michigan Democrats, including senators Elissa Slotkin and Debbie Stabenow. Although McMorrow did not address Newman’s post specifically, she made a statement on social media for International Holocaust Remembrance Day, emphasizing the need to combat anti-Semitism and hatred to prevent historical atrocities from recurring.
Last October, Benson and McMorrow faced criticism during a “Unity Dinner” event where some content compared supporters of President Trump to Nazis, with slogans displayed by local Democrats causing further backlash.
McMorrow, involved in a competitive Democratic Senate primary, also stirred controversy last year for sharing violent thoughts about conservative Supreme Court justices during a public event.
A representative from the Senate Leadership Fund linked Newman’s Facebook post to Maine Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner, who previously faced backlash for displaying a tattoo associated with Nazi symbolism, which he later covered up. “From Mallory McMorrow in Michigan to Graham Platner in Maine, Democrats’ tendency towards Nazi imagery is a concerning trend,” the spokesperson remarked, suggesting McMorrow’s silence on the matter speaks volumes.
