Democrats Revolt Against Pelosi for 'Rushing to Condemn' Anti-Semitic Ilhan Omar
House Dems accuse Nancy Pelosi of scrambling to rebuke anti-Semitism
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House Democrats are revolting against Nancy Pelosi, accusing the Democratic Party leader of scrambling to condemn the anti-Semitic statements made by freshman Rep. Ilhan Omar.
House Speaker Pelosi is reportedly "taken aback" by growing dissent and anger among rank-and-file Democrats over a possible resolution to formally condemn anti-Semitism.
A Democratic source told Fox News on Wednesday that Pelosi is struggling to keep her tenuous control over the House due to the growing power of the party's nascent far-left progressive wing.
During a Wednesday meeting with Democrat House members, Pelosi reportedly set down her microphone, telling attendees, “Well if you're not going to listen to me, I’m done talking," before walking out of the room.
The stalled resolution originated after freshman Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, for at least the second time in recent months, ignited an uproar for echoing tropes critics have deemed anti-Semitic.
In February, she suggested on Twitter that supporters of Israel have been bought. The congresswoman then accused American supporters of Israel of pushing people to have “allegiance to a foreign country.”
Omar -- who also tweeted in 2012 that "Israel has hypnotized the world, may Allah awaken the people and help them see the evil doings of Israel" -- refused to address questions on Wednesday about accusations that she’s anti-Semitic.
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According to the New York Post, the bickering broke out at a Democratic caucus meeting in which some Democrats faulted Pelosi for failing to handle the controversy and for not keeping lawmakers in the loop.
Rep. Jahana Hayes of Connecticut was among those pressing Pelosi about why they weren’t consulted about the response to Omar before hearing what would happen on cable TV.
“My comments were about the process we are using when concerns arise,” Hayes said in a statement.
“As a member of Congress, I should not get important information from cable news.”
Pelosi explained that a quick response was needed to address Omar’s suggestion last week that those who support Israel pledge “allegiance to a foreign country.”
The resolution initially condemned religious hatred but was expanded by Democratic leaders to include anti-Muslim bias.
The vote on the resolution, scheduled for Wednesday, was postponed because of the backlash without a new date being set.
Some wondered why a vote was needed at all.
“I’m not sure we need to continue to do this every single time,” said Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington, co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.
Some Democrats hugged Omar, one of two Muslim women in Congress, according to other officials.
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Omar, who has apologized for making other comments that were negative to Israel but not her remarks from last week, attended the meeting but did not speak.
She’s also received powerful boosts from fellow Democratic freshmen Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, the second Muslim lawmaker.
Queens Rep. Gregory Meeks said the treatment of Omar reflects a double standard because other lawmakers, like GOP Rep. Steve King of Iowa, have not been rebuked after making controversial comments.
“It seems to me that Republicans are playing a game . . . The president of the United States still hasn’t said anything about Steve King,” Meeks told The Post.
In January, King questioned when did terms like white nationalist and white supremacist “become offensive?”
House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy noted how Republicans stripped King of his committee assignments, but the Democrats have yet to take action against Omar.
“It should not be tough to stand up against this type of talk,” McCarthy said.
“I’m just wondering, within their conference, if they’re willing to lead.”
