• Missouri’s junior senator argued America belongs only to white, European-descended people.
• His speech rejected the nation’s founding promise that “all men are created equal.”
• He praised Confederate leaders and downplayed slavery and Native American suffering.
• Despite his extreme views, few people attended, showing most reject this view of American identity.
Is American Identity Exclusive to Whites?
American identity and Schmitt’s speech
Missouri’s junior U.S. senator gave a speech that shocked many. He claimed America is not a mix of ideas but a land for white, European-descended people. In fact, he said real Americans must trace their roots to settlers. He ignored the fact that Native Americans lived here first and that enslaved people shaped the nation. Moreover, he dismissed key parts of our history and our shared values.
What happened in that speech? Why did it matter? To answer that, we need to look at who he is and what he said.
Background: From attorney general to senator
Over six years, Missouri has had four attorneys general. All three who served before the current one rushed to the national stage by using extreme views. One barely finished his term before moving on. Now, all three hold federal posts. Rather than focus on state work, they used their seats to win bigger roles.
For example, one former attorney general led a costly campaign against diversity efforts. He called himself a “constitutional conservative,” but his actions targeted programs that support people of color and women. Some critics wrote that this campaign was not just anti-diversity but true white supremacist action in disguise.
Next, another former attorney general-turned-senator proudly embraced the label “Christian nationalist.” His speeches spoke to a base that mixes faith with politics in a way that sidelines minority groups. Even so, the dog whistles grew louder.
Then came Eric Schmitt. He served only a short time as Missouri’s attorney general. However, he used that brief tenure to launch a successful Senate campaign. Once there, he delivered a speech at the National Conservatism Conference that laid out his vision of America—and it was full of white supremacist ideas.
How Schmitt redefines American identity
In his talk, he said America isn’t a set of ideas or a welcoming promise. Instead, it is a land meant for white Christians with European roots. He called his German ancestors “real Americans” and refused to call them immigrants. At the same time, he lumped other groups—newer immigrants, Native Americans, and Black people—together as outsiders.
He went on to mock the anger over George Floyd’s death. He even praised Confederate generals who fought to keep slavery. Then, he attacked the idea that words on the Statue of Liberty should guide us. He ridiculed the five words in the Declaration of Independence—“all men are created equal”—calling them woke nonsense. In short, he offered a twisted version of originalism. He suggested America should follow only the views of the founders who supported slavery and white rule.
Moreover, he hinted at the “Great Replacement” theory. This conspiracy claims that Jewish people are bringing in non-white immigrants to push aside white Americans. Though he did not say it in plain words, his nods were clear to anyone who knows the phrase.
He even hired staffers tied to extremist views. One came from a campaign known for Neo-Nazi imagery. Although he tried to move past that, the ties reveal a pattern.
Why this matters to Missouri and the nation
Such speeches are not just harmless rhetoric. They feed ideas that threaten democracy. When leaders say only certain people deserve political power, they undercut fair elections. Indeed, similar beliefs inspired the push to overturn the last presidential vote. They also drive efforts to redraw voting maps to weaken certain communities.
However, there is a silver lining. The audience at his talk was sparse. Most people watched without much excitement. Clearly, many Americans reject his version of American identity. They believe our country stands for more than bloodlines and old wars.
Our true American identity
First, the nation’s founders set up a bold idea. They wrote that we all deserve equal rights. Then, we amended the Constitution to extend those rights to more people. The 14th, 15th, and 19th Amendments opened the door to Black Americans, Native Americans, and women. Our growing diversity made us stronger, not weaker.
Second, the principle that “all men are created equal” is more than five words on paper. It guides our laws and our lives. It allows people of every race, religion, and background to dream big. It also helps us face hard truths—like slavery and forced removal of native peoples—and learn from them.
Therefore, true American identity embraces inclusion. It means upholding the rights of everyone, not just those with the right skin color or faith. It means expanding freedom, not squeezing it.
What comes next
Missouri voters will hear more from this senator and others like him. They will try to push similar ideas at the state level. Yet, the lackluster response to the speech sends a message. Most people prefer leaders who unite rather than divide.
Moreover, grassroots groups in Missouri and beyond keep fighting for voting rights and fair representation. They push back against plans to weaken cities or silence minority voices. Their work shows that American identity grows out of action, not ancestry.
Finally, you can play a part. Talk to your friends and family about what these ideas mean. Support candidates who stand for equality and unity. In the end, the future of our American identity depends on each of us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the senator claim about who counts as a real American?
He argued that only white, European-descended people are true Americans. He said those with other backgrounds were outsiders.
How did he describe America’s founding documents?
He dismissed key parts, including the phrase “all men are created equal,” as woke distractions.
Did many people attend this speech?
No. The event was sparsely attended, suggesting limited support for his views.
Why does this speech matter for voters?
It shows how some leaders push exclusionary ideas. Voters should decide if they want leaders who unite or divide.