In a piece for
The Conversation, Kaz Ross of the University of Tasmania noted that Australia's national security agency ASIO has warned that far-right groups were exploiting the pandemic to expand their operations.
In September, ASIO revealed that up to 40 per cent of its counter-terrorism efforts were now directed at far-right extremist activities, an increase from 10 to 15 per cent before 2016.
"New groups have emerged and existing groups have become more radicalised and increased their memberships," Dr Ross noted.
Mr Trump infamously told the group they should "stand back and stand by" after being asked to condemn white supremacist and militia groups during the first presidential debate in September.