Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has come under fire after posting support for American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten’s new book, which argues that “fascists” target public education to undermine democracy.

“Congratulations to my friend [Weingarten] on Why Fascists Fear Teachers,” Clinton wrote on X, alongside a photo of Weingarten holding the book. “From banning books to controlling curriculum, authoritarians go after public education because it’s a cornerstone of democracy. Randi’s new book is a critical read for this moment.”

The post quickly set off a backlash from conservatives, who accused Clinton of fueling divisive rhetoric just one week after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated in Utah. Authorities say the accused gunman embraced far-left ideology and etched the word “fascist” on ammunition used in the attack.

“It’s been one week since Charlie Kirk was murdered by a lunatic who wrote about ‘fascists’ on shell casings,” Republican strategist Matt Whitlock wrote on X. “Now, Randi Weingarten has a new book arguing everyone who disagrees with her views on public education … is a fascist.”

Corey DeAngelis, a senior fellow at the American Culture Project, called Clinton’s endorsement “disgusting rhetoric right after Charlie Kirk’s assassination.” Conservative commentator Jack Posobiec also weighed in: “Charlie Kirk was murdered exactly one week ago. Here’s Hillary Clinton today.”

The Republican National Committee amplified the criticism, posting: “Democrats Hillary Clinton and Randi Weingarten are still suggesting Republicans are ‘fascists.’ They really can’t help themselves, can they?”

Reached by Fox News Digital, Weingarten defended the book, which was released Tuesday. “Have they read the book? If they did they’d discover it’s a love letter to teachers,” she said.

In the book, Weingarten argues that authoritarian regimes historically seek to suppress teachers and education systems. “Attacks on schools and teachers have long been a hallmark of fascist regimes,” the introduction reads. “Fascists fear teachers because teachers foster an educated and empowered population that can see past propaganda.”

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