The son of a political hopeful has faced backlash over disturbing social media posts that openly express anti-Semitic sentiments, including phrases like “Heil Hitler” and derogatory comments about Israel.
Ryan Busse, his father, is running to fill the seat of Republican Rep. Ryan Zinke in Montana. He identifies as “anti-Zionist” and has mocked support for Israel, even telling a rabbi who called for discussion to “fk you.”
“If a father saw his child posting garbage like this, he should definitely pull him aside to teach a valuable lesson,” said Aaron Flynt, a Republican candidate opposing Busse, during a conversation with the Post.
Flynt expressed disbelief that neither Ryan Busse nor the Montana Democratic Party addressed these issues, calling the situation appalling.
Lander, the son, reacted to a statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who declared that “a free Palestine is today’s Heil Hitler.” Lander shared a clip from “Breaking Bad,” humorously inserting, “Well, Heil Hitler!”
In a discussion with Rabbi Chaim Brooke from Montana, Lander asked if he considered Israel an apartheid state and if he acknowledged genocide against Palestinians. To this, Brooke responded firmly, “Absolutely not,” while Lander merely replied, “Wait a minute.”
Ryan Busse claimed he strongly opposes anti-Semitism, insisting he knows his son well and doesn’t consider him anti-Semitic. However, Busse also admitted he hadn’t actually seen any of his son’s posts.
“I absolutely do not condone any words or actions that diminish the tragedy of the Holocaust,” Busse said.
Shortly after the interview, Lander removed his posts from social media.
Flynt, a veteran, argues that Lander’s significant role in politics and within his father’s campaign makes it essential to address these controversial remarks.
“Democrats have put him in the spotlight and said nothing about this,” Flynt noted, referring to a rally last April where Lander opened for Socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders.
Busse’s son was part of a group of young people who recently won a climate change lawsuit against Montana, alleging violations of their rights to a clean environment.
While recounting the experience, Busse mentioned that her family stands against injustice, stating her son believes they’re “fighting for all Montanans, not just us.” She noted this mindset as a hallmark of good leadership.
Flynt, backed by President Trump and Rep. Zinke, suggested that Lander’s comments reflect a broader issue within Montana politics.
He criticized the Montana Democratic Party for attempting to transform the state, asserting it represents a type of extreme leftism. He concluded with a reminder that those who advocate for tolerance can sometimes exhibit the least tolerance.
Despite losing the gubernatorial election to Republican Greg Gianforte, Busse remains one of the few Democrats aiming to turn Montana’s first congressional district blue.
