Homeland Security Speechwriter Eric Lendrum Under Scrutiny for Extremist Remarks and Hate Speech Online

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is under fire after recent reports revealed that Eric Lendrum, a speechwriter who joined the agency in March 2025, has been linked to a series of online posts and podcast recordings containing hate speech and extremist rhetoric. The revelations, which include Lendrum's endorsement of conspiracy theories and derogatory language about marginalized communities, have ignited intense backlash among LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and other civil rights organizations .

Lendrum, who previously worked at the Department of the Interior, maintained a significant online presence prior to his current government role. According to investigative reporting, he authored a 2021 blog post that compared the ostracization of American conservatives to the persecution of Jews leading up to Nazi Germany, a statement widely condemned as historically inaccurate and inflammatory .

More recently, Lendrum’s podcast, "The Right Take," featured segments in which he repeated the so-called "great replacement theory," a white nationalist conspiracy theory claiming immigration is intended to "wipe out" white populations in the U.S. and Europe. He told listeners that this theory was “real” and “already being put into effect in some European cities,” further fueling concern over his views and the implications for his work at a federal agency .

While the published reports detail Lendrum's support for conspiracy theories and inflammatory analogies, there is no verifiable, recent evidence from primary sources that he specifically referred to LGBTQ+ people as “freaks” or asylum seekers as “scum.” The most widely reported remarks focus on his comparison of conservatives to Jews in pre-WWII Germany and his endorsement of the "great replacement theory" .

Nevertheless, the rhetoric and language documented in his online presence have drawn condemnation from LGBTQ+ rights organizations, who argue that individuals in positions of government authority must be held to high standards of respect and inclusivity. “Having someone with a record of promoting hate and conspiracy theories in a role that influences public policy is deeply concerning for all marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ people and those seeking asylum,” said a spokesperson for a leading LGBTQ+ advocacy group .

Immigrant rights advocates echoed these concerns, emphasizing that language and attitudes like those attributed to Lendrum can contribute to a hostile environment for asylum seekers and other vulnerable populations.

When approached for comment, the Department of Homeland Security responded to reporters by sharing a link to the First Amendment, which protects free speech. The agency did not directly address the substance of Lendrum’s reported remarks or the growing calls for disciplinary action .

As the controversy continues, LGBTQ+ and immigrant communities are urging DHS to take concrete action to ensure that government officials uphold principles of diversity, equity, and respect for all people. Many advocates are calling for a transparent review of Lendrum’s role and a broader assessment of vetting procedures for federal appointments.

The situation has reignited discussions about the role of government speechwriters and the standards to which public servants should be held, particularly in agencies with significant influence over civil rights and immigration policy. For LGBTQ+ individuals, the presence of officials linked to hate speech and exclusionary ideologies is a stark reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and advocacy within federal institutions.

Community leaders stress the importance of fostering safe, affirming environments for all, both within the government and in society at large. As investigations proceed, many in the LGBTQ+ community are watching closely to see whether DHS will take meaningful steps toward accountability and inclusivity.