Stewart Rhodes Attempts Relaunch of Oath Keepers Amid Minimal Interest and Former Member Resistance

1. Relaunch Announcement and Initial Justification

Stewart Rhodes, the founder of the far-right anti-government militia Oath Keepers, has announced the group’s revival nearly two years after its dissolution following the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. In an interview with the Gateway Pundit, Rhodes framed the relaunch as a response to what he described as an "insurrection by the left" in U.S. cities, asserting that former President Donald Trump could legally mobilize the group under federal law to "repel invasions, suppress insurrections, and execute the laws of the union."

Rhodes further claimed the National Guard, as part of the militia, is a lawful tool for presidential deployment, stating Trump "should do more" of this across the country. He noted his group’s purpose would include combating perceived left-wing unrest, though he did not specify targets beyond vague references to "natural disasters" or "city security."

2. Former Members and Experts Express Disinterest

Despite Rhodes’ efforts, the relaunch has garnered little support from former members and associates, who cite legal barriers, personal priorities, and skepticism of Rhodes’ leadership.

2.1 Janet Arroyo and Jim Arroyo

Former Arizona chapter leaders Janet and Jim Arroyo, who led the group until January 6, noted they have not heard from Rhodes in six years and have no plans to rejoin. "No hard feelings, but we’re moving forward," Arroyo stated, criticizing the "dumb DC stunt" (referring to the Capitol attack) for "scaring patriots into hiding."

2.2 Jessica Watkins

Jessica Watkins, an army veteran and fellow Capitol riot participant sentenced to 8.5 years in prison, told WIRED she was unaware of the relaunch. "Most January 6 defendants are rebuilding their lives," she said. Even if she wanted to rejoin, Watkins—whose sentence was commuted rather than pardoned—emphasized, "Felons can’t be in the Oath Keepers."

2.3 Kelly Meggs

Florida chapter head Kelly Meggs, convicted of seditious conspiracy, dismissed the relaunch as "desperate." He cited fear of future persecution under a potential Democratic administration: "Anyone in these groups risks what I endured." Meggs expressed interest in disaster relief work but rejected active street participation, fearing renewed legal scrutiny.

3. Organizational Challenges and Financial Shortfalls

The Oath Keepers’ revival faces operational hurdles, including minimal financial backing and legal restrictions.

• Membership and Funding: Rhodes launched a $75,000 crowdfunding campaign, which as of publication had raised just $1,100 from 16 donations (most under $200). Yearly memberships cost $100, with lifetime memberships honored, but checks payable to Rhodes’ legal name (Elmer Stewart Rhodes) must be sent to a Texas address.

• Website and Activities: A new website, still under development, features a blank "About" page and a "Never Surrender" event in Texas—subsequently revealed to be organized by the Young Republicans of Houston, not the Oath Keepers.

3.1 Legal Barriers

Felons remain barred from membership, a rule that affects many former participants, including Watkins (commuted sentence) and Meggs (convicted).

4. Historical Context and Expert Critique

The Oath Keepers, founded in 2009 amid conspiracy theories about an "Obama administration martial law plot," peaked with a 2021 database listing 38,000 members. Rhodes himself was convicted of seditious conspiracy in 2023 and sentenced to 18 years, though Trump commuted his sentence to "time served" in January 2025, leaving his conviction intact.

Jon Lewis, a George Washington University extremism researcher, called the relaunch "a last-ditch effort to cling to relevance." He noted, "Young anti-government extremists won’t trust a failed insurrectionist who got his followers arrested."

5. Conclusion

Despite Rhodes’ efforts to rebuild the Oath Keepers, the group faces near-universal resistance from former members, financial stagnation, and legal barriers. The revival appears to lack both public and internal support, raising questions about its viability in 2025.

Rhodes did not respond to WIRED’s requests for comment.