February 12, 2019
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressional Progressive Caucus Co-Chairs Mark Pocan (WI-02) and Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) responded to President Trump’s comments urging Representative Ilhan Omar to resign from Congress:
“President Trump’s remarks calling for Representative Ilhan Omar’s resignation are disgraceful and, unfortunately, unsurprising. As a candidate and now as president, Donald Trump has consistently and unapologetically trafficked in white nationalism, Islamophobia, sexism, and racism. Let us not forget that this president referred to violent neo-Nazis as ‘very fine people.’ The author of the Muslim Ban, the Transgender Service Ban, and the Zero Tolerance policy has no moral authority on this or any other issue.
“We appreciate Congresswoman Omar’s heartfelt apology, and the unique life experiences she brings as a public servant. She has demonstrated genuine gratitude toward her Jewish allies for educating her on the painful history of anti-Semitic tropes, while remaining true to her principles.
“As a Somali American immigrant of Muslim faith, Representative Omar plays a vital role in the most diverse Congress in history. Americans of all political stripes must reject this transparently cynical effort by President Trump and Congressional Republicans to stifle and intimidate voices such as hers. We look forward to Congresswoman Omar’s continued leadership in the Foreign Affairs Committee and within the Congressional Progressive Caucus.”
