The former grand wizard of the Klu Klux Klan has been inspired by Donald Trump to run for office.
David Duke announced Friday that he is running for the U.S. Senate. He joins a field of 24 candidates seeking to replace Republican Senator David Vitter in Louisiana.
The announcement came a day after Trump claimed the Republican presidential nomination with a speech that focused on fear and nationalism. Duke said he was "overjoyed" by Trump's message and the public's response.
"I'm overjoyed to see Donald Trump and most Americans embrace most of the issues that I've championed for years," the white supremicist stated in a YouTube video announcing his run. "My slogan remains, 'America First.'"
A new video by MoveOn.org points out the similiarities in the platforms of the two candidates, including Trump's mentioning of "America First" in his Thursday speech and its roots in white supremacy. "Scary," read the organization's caption.
In his video, Duke, who claimed he popularized the phrase, said he would stand up for "European Americans" and fight against their "ethnic cleansing."
"Thousands of special interest groups stand up for African-Americans, Mexican Americans, Jewish Americans, etc.," he said in the YouTube video. "The fact is that European Americans need at least one man in the United States, one man in Congress, who will defend their rights and heritage."
"We must stop the massive immigration and ethnic cleansing of the people whose forefathers created America," he added.
In March, Trump disavowed Duke and other white supremacists. Previously, he had failed to do so when asked about Duke's support by CNN's Jake Tapper.
"Just so you understand, I don't know anything about David Duke, OK?" Trump had said. He later blamed his response on a "bad earpiece."
Watch Duke's video below.
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