From Black Progressive to Conservative Star: A Transformation Story

Xaviaer DuRousseau: From Progressive Activist to Right-Wing Influencer

In the summer of 2020, Xaviaer DuRousseau, then a 23-year-old progressive activist, was on the brink of a significant life change. He was set to appear on the Netflix reality show “The Circle,” where participants isolate themselves in separate apartments, sometimes adopting false identities to outwit each other for a cash prize. Producers wanted DuRousseau, a Black man, to disguise himself as a white woman and engage in discussions about racial injustice, only to reveal his true identity later.

At the time, he was actively involved in the Black Lives Matter movement, campaigning for ethnic studies in his university curriculum, and had supported Bernie Sanders in his 2016 presidential bid. However, as he prepared for the show, he immersed himself in conservative ideologies, studying materials from conservative platforms like PragerU and following right-wing figures like Candace Owens. What began as research for the show led to a transformation in his beliefs. DuRousseau found himself resonating with ideas he once opposed, contemplating thoughts like whether the media unfairly targeted President Trump, whether free healthcare was feasible, and considering that police brutality against Black individuals might be less frequent than he had believed.

Days before filming was scheduled to commence, DuRousseau made a pivotal decision: he withdrew from the show. The liberal ideals he once held had been overshadowed by a shift in perspective. Fast forward to today, and DuRousseau has fully embraced conservative politics. Now 28, he is not only a vocal supporter of Trump but also works for PragerU, where he creates engaging content under the brand “Respectfully, Xaviaer.” His influencer role has garnered significant attention, with features in well-known publications like Rolling Stone and Vanity Fair, along with a luxurious lifestyle in Los Angeles.

DuRousseau represents a new wave of conservative influencers capturing the attention of disillusioned Generation Z voters. In the recent 2024 election, there was a notable swing among young men, with 56% of those aged 18-29 voting for Trump, up from 41% in 2020. This cohort doesn’t align strictly with either political party but embodies a diverse array of views. Some, like DuRousseau, appreciate both Sanders for his authenticity and Trump for his dismissive attitude towards conventional institutions and culture.

Candid about his transformation, DuRousseau points out that young people today are inherently rebellious. He claims his generation is weary of being labeled racists and the pressures of conforming to rigid political correctness. As he strolls through the streets of Studio City, California, sporting trendy athleisure wear and a green smoothie, he likens his aesthetic to that of typical influencers.

His videos often challenge the stereotypes and criticisms directed at him as a conservative Black man. In one particular series entitled "Walk With Me," he addresses liberal commentators who doubt the acceptance of diverse voices within the conservative movement. While some conservatives express skepticism towards his unconventional persona, many within Trump’s political sphere appreciate the nuance he brings to discussions about race—an issue often oversimplified among many in the Republican party.

Despite occasionally facing backlash, DuRousseau serves on the Republican National Committee’s youth advisory council and feels that being a Black conservative affords him a unique perspective on racial issues that many Republicans might overlook. He openly critiques diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs from a conservative standpoint, arguing that dismissing the accomplishments of Black individuals as mere products of DEI racial adjustments is problematic.

His provocative style, however, doesn’t shy away from controversy. In recent videos, he has mocked liberal values, generating a mix of laughter and outrage. For instance, an exaggerated statement in which he compares being liberal to “being surrounded by weakness” reflects his strategy to appeal to younger audiences craving unfiltered discourse.

DuRousseau’s social media presence fuses pop culture with right-wing politics. He covers a vast range of topics, from praising Trump to critiquing celebrities like Kanye West, aligning with a diverse array of political perspectives. During a lunch at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, he befriends fellow conservative influencers and discusses their shared views on the political climate shaped by the pandemic and social justice movements, emphasizing the bullying they feel for voicing opinions contrary to predominant narratives.

Raised in Chicago before moving to rural Illinois, DuRousseau often felt he did not quite fit in either community. His experiences shaped his worldview as he navigated issues of race and identity. Today, he admits that embracing conservative ideals led to strained relationships with family members, particularly due to his divergence from their liberal beliefs. Yet, he stands firm in his views, expressing a desire to foster nuanced conversations about race and privilege within conservative circles.

DuRousseau emphasizes that the current iteration of the conservative movement embraces a level of empowerment for Black conservatives that was previously absent. He encourages open discussions about the complexities of these issues and believes that acknowledging truths from both sides is vital for progress. As he continues to shape his narrative in the political realm, DuRousseau remains a figure of interest, embodying the evolving nature of young conservative activism within America today.