WISCONSIN — Experts on extremism have identified Young Columbia as the first known white nationalist youth group for girls in the U.S. United Youth announced the formation of Young Columbia on Telegram in early May. Members have been tracked in Wisconsin and Illinois.

Young Columbia utilizes TikTok and Telegram for recruitment. Photos of two young women on a hike in Wisconsin were circulated on Telegram in May. A video on a TikTok account linked to Young Columbia featured vintage illustrations of all-white families with the caption, "Bring back the traditional life that women truly desire." Another Young Columbia video displayed an image of a young woman in a dress positioned before the black sun symbol with the caption "White Youth Revolt." The black sun is a symbol used by white supremacists. Young Columbia has also reposted content from Telegram channels featuring neo-Nazi material, including an image captioned "beauty is on the frontline," depicting a young woman applying lip gloss in the reflection of a riot shield. The TikTok account associated with Young Columbia has since been banned from the platform.

Investigative researcher Willis Shaw noted that public perception often associates extremism, particularly violent extremism, with men. "When we think of extremism — especially when we think of violent extremism — we think of men," Shaw said. He added that white supremacist movements in the United States have historically included women. "But there have always been movements in the United States that are white supremacist that also accept women, and this seems to be one of those as well," Shaw said. Shaw stated that those involved believe "white people and the white race are under attack, and that they are being systematically replaced, and they will need to defend their future." Shaw also mentioned, regarding recruitment tactics, "They're latching on to a very specific kind of aesthetic that's very popular among people roughly that age."

Digital research analyst Jacob Wagner said that "These views of white nationalism, white supremacism, unfortunately, have become more mainstream over the last couple of years." Wagner also stated that "The chances of this being an organic thing materializing from female teenagers who were watching United Youth and decided to create their own group to support them, I find that very unlikely."

The Telegram post announcing Young Columbia's formation featured a quote from Adolf Hitler concerning the role of women in the Nazi party. The announcement also specified the membership criteria as "white European descent, female, nationalist." It indicated that Young Columbia was formed due to "high demand" and would have "their own separate supportive roles and mission." Young Columbia has also reshared propaganda videos from Patriot Front. Male Youth Club members associated with United Youth engage in activities such as hiking, working out, and participating in combat sports, alongside disseminating white nationalist propaganda. Youth Clubs began appearing in February 2025 and have since expanded to all 50 states.