Key Takeaways

• Stewart Rhodes plans to relaunch the Oath Keepers militia after his sentence was commuted.
• The group’s veteran and officer members may return in large numbers.
• They will shift to a cell-style network for stronger resilience.
• They aim to secure their online systems and membership data.
• This relaunch could reshape the far-right Patriot movement.

Who Are the Oath Keepers?

The Oath Keepers formed in 2009 under Stewart Rhodes. He served three years in the Army and later graduated from Yale Law School. The group takes its name from the military Oath of Enlistment. Members promise to defend the Constitution against all enemies. Rhodes argues that any order violating constitutional rights is “unlawful.” He claims veterans and officers must refuse such orders. Over time, the group grew to more than 40,000 dues-paying members. Many were active or former military and law enforcement officers.

Why the Oath Keepers Matter Now

In 2023, Rhodes received an 18-year sentence for seditious conspiracy. He led his followers during the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021. Yet, in January 2025, the president commuted his sentence to time served. That move freed Rhodes and wiped away any prison time, though it did not erase his conviction. Consequently, he could rebuild the Oath Keepers. Many members who felt lost since his jailing now see a chance to return. They view the lack of harsh punishment as proof their cause still stands.

How the Oath Keepers Plan to Rebuild

Rhodes has outlined a detailed relaunch for the Oath Keepers. First, he wants a “cancel-proof” system. That means hosting their websites and data on private servers. It also means using secure payment methods for dues. Moreover, the group will adopt a cell-style network. Small teams will work under the same ideology but operate independently. That way, if one cell faces legal trouble, others stay intact. Additionally, Rhodes plans to place leaders in every state. If he cannot lead, local leaders will keep the group alive.

Members will likely focus recruiting on retired military and law enforcement. Interviews suggest veterans hold special status in the Oath Keepers. They gain respect for their training and service. Therefore, they form the core of the group’s identity. Recruiting more former officers could boost the Oath Keepers’ ranks quickly. Also, the group may support community events. For example, they could offer disaster relief or election monitoring. Such activities could attract new followers who share their distrust of federal power.

What to Watch Next

First, keep an eye on their online presence. If the Oath Keepers secure their IT, they will hide key pages and membership lists. This will make outside monitoring much harder. Second, watch for new local chapters. Small gatherings in homes or private spaces will signal the cell strategy in action. Third, see if they press legal arguments about “unlawful orders.” They might train members to spot and resist federal commands they see as illegal. Finally, notice any ties to political campaigns. The Oath Keepers have backed candidates in past elections. They may again support those who promise to limit government power.

Beyond that, law enforcement and watchdog groups will try to track their moves. However, cell-style groups are harder to police. Each team works on its own, so a single bust won’t end the network. Meanwhile, the Oath Keepers will likely stay in close contact with other far-right groups. They share goals with the Proud Boys and Moms for Liberty. Together, these groups form the Patriot movement. As the Oath Keepers rebuild, they could strengthen that broader network.

Moving Forward

The return of the Oath Keepers shows how resilient some groups can be. Even after a major prison sentence and public backlash, they find ways to regroup. Their focus on veterans and officers gives them skilled members. Their new cell-style setup will make them harder to shut down. And their IT plans could hide their leaders and members. In short, the Oath Keepers are set to reemerge stronger than before.

Communities, law enforcement, and policymakers must watch carefully. The Oath Keepers’ growth could fuel more extreme actions. Or, they might settle into local politics and public events. Only time will tell which path they choose. For now, their relaunch signals a new chapter in U.S. political extremism.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Oath Keepers different from other groups?

They focus on the military Oath of Enlistment. They claim the duty to defend the Constitution overrides all orders they deem unlawful.

How will the Oath Keepers recruit new members?

They will target retired military and law enforcement officers. They may also join local events and offer community support to attract followers.

What is a cell-style network and why use it?

A cell-style network breaks the group into small independent teams. This makes the group harder to disrupt if one cell faces legal action.

Could the Oath Keepers face new legal challenges?

Yes. Even if they secure their data, law enforcement can still investigate crimes. Future actions by the group may trigger fresh investigations.

How can communities respond to the Oath Keepers’ comeback?

Communities can stay informed about local chapters. They can engage in positive civic activities and work with law enforcement to report any illegal acts.