The Boston College Republicans chapter is under scrutiny after publicly disavowing guest speaker Nick Solheim, who made controversial comments during a speech on October 20, 2025. Solheim, a conservative podcast host and CEO of American Moment, urged young conservatives to be “willing to die” to protect their values, a statement that has drawn significant criticism from both within and outside the organization.
During his address, Solheim called for members to recognize that leftist ideologies could lead to violence against those who oppose them. He stated, “If they’re willing to kill the people making this policy, they’re more than willing to kill the people who voted for it, too.” Despite his call for political engagement, he also condemned political violence, attempting to draw a line between rhetoric and action.
In the wake of Solheim’s remarks, the Boston College Republicans’ executive board swiftly issued a statement distancing themselves from his comments. They described his views as “unprecedented and unrepresentative” of the club’s membership. The board reiterated their commitment to civil discourse and declared that the incident was a “procedural oversight” stemming from miscommunication during event planning.
Internal Conflict and External Reactions
The backlash against the Boston College chapter intensified when William Branson Donahue, founder and chairman of the College Republicans of America (CRA), called for the resignation of Boston College Republicans President Jake Wiepert. He accused the chapter of cowardice and disloyalty, stating, “If the Boston College ‘Republican’ President doesn’t resign, CRA will disaffiliate.” Donahue characterized the chapter as being overtaken by opposition forces, urging members to remove Wiepert promptly.
The controversy has sparked a broader debate within conservative circles. Kevin Roberts, President of the Heritage Foundation, defended Solheim’s comments, asserting that his views reflect a necessary courage in the face of political challenges. He emphasized the need for individuals to prioritize defense of their homeland, families, and faith over comfort.
Following the fallout from Solheim’s speech, the Boston College Republicans hosted Democratic Rep. Jake Auchincloss in a private meeting. Auchincloss, who has a history of opposing former President Donald Trump’s policies, represents a stark contrast to the rhetoric of Solheim. This move indicates the chapter’s attempt to navigate the internal and external pressures resulting from the incident.
Context and Implications
Solheim’s organization, American Moment, founded in 2021, aims to engage and educate young conservatives, positioning itself as a significant player in shaping the future of conservative politics. The group focuses on identifying and training young talent to influence public policy, emphasizing a worldview that prioritizes American interests.
The incident at Boston College is part of a larger narrative about the evolving dynamics within conservative organizations, particularly concerning the acceptance of diverse opinions and the boundaries of political rhetoric. As the CRA continues to expand, with over 200 chapters nationwide, the Boston College incident may serve as a critical moment for reflection on the principles that guide these organizations.
The Boston College Republicans, along with Solheim and CRA, have not publicly commented further on the situation following the executive board’s statement. The evolving discourse highlights the challenges conservative groups face in a polarized political landscape, raising questions about leadership, loyalty, and the future of political engagement among young conservatives.
