I read his bio. That doesn't make him particularly knowledgeable on 20th century history and politics. However I'm surprised that he seems to have gotten nothing from his parents on the subject. They would seem to be well acquainted with the forms and means of oppression throughout history. That West would latch onto what is basically Christian Nationalism, which is the antithesis of what his parents stand for, indicates recalcitrance, brainwashing, or extreme ignorance.
And yes, this ties to his untreated mental illnesses.