Rair Foundation USA

OVERVIEW

RAIR Foundation USA (originally "Resistance Against Islamic Radicals," rebranded as "Rise Align Ignite Reclaim") is an SPLC-designated hate group founded by Amy Mekelburg (known online as "Amy Mek"). The organization publishes anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim content, conspiracy theories, and targeted harassment campaigns.

KEY FIGURES

Amy Mekelburg / "Amy Mek" (Founder/Editor-in-Chief) — Unmasked by HuffPost journalist Luke O'Brien in 2018 after operating anonymously. Her husband was fired from WWE as a result of the exposure. Has called Islam a "pervert cult," called for mosque bans in the US, and self-described as a modern-day "crusader."

Chris Gaubatz (President) — Previously affiliated with Understanding the Threat (UTT), another SPLC-designated hate group. Left UTT in 2018.

Anni Cyrus — Co-founded the original RAIR organization with Mekelburg.

ACTIVITIES & CONTROVERSIES

• Published lists of alleged "accomplices" — including an Iowa attorney whose only connection was donating to a Muslim candidate's campaign
• Conducted interviews with controversial international figures, including the perpetrator of the 2024 Magdeburg car attack
• CAIR has documented RAIR's alignment with white supremacist groups since at least 2013
• Accused of spreading both Islamophobic and antisemitic content

NETWORK CONNECTIONS

• Understanding The Threat — Gaubatz's prior organization
• Broader counter-jihad movement — Shared ideological positioning
• SPLC: Designated as a hate group