Rep. Ilhan Omar is “absolutely not” worried about losing committee assignments after coming under fire for anti-Semitic tweets.
The Minnesota Democrat gave an icy response in her first on-air comments about the controversial tweets, responding to a reporter’s question about whether she regretted her remarks.
“You apologized today but what have you learned from your comments and the reaction tonight?” the freshman lawmaker was asked on Monday.
“I’ve stated all of that in my statement,” she responded dismissively, chewing gum, as she turned and walked away.
Asked by another reporter if she regretted her comments, Omar replied with a condescending tone, “I’m pretty sure that was stated in my statement,” as she stepped into an elevator.
When a follow-up question asked if she was “surprised by the criticism.” Omar said, “Always surprised.” She shot back, “Absolutely not” when asked if she was concerned about losing committee assignments.
The far-left congresswoman came under fire by leaders of her own party, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, after commenting about a pro-Israel lobby’s influence on U.S. politics. Omar tweeted Sunday that AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, was paying members of Congress to support Israel.
It’s all about the Benjamins baby ? https://t.co/KatcXJnZLV
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) February 10, 2019
AIPAC! https://t.co/UdzaFUEfrh
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) February 11, 2019
Pelosi called for an apology from Omar, saying that “her use of anti-Semitic tropes and prejudicial accusations about Israel’s supporters is deeply offensive,” Fox News reported.
Omar did issue an apology of sorts on Monday, tweeting that “Anti-Semitism is real and I am grateful for Jewish allies and colleagues who are educating me on the painful history of anti-Semitic tropes.”
Listening and learning, but standing strong ?? pic.twitter.com/7TSroSf8h1
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) February 11, 2019
But she added that, “At the same time, I reaffirm the problematic role of lobbyists in our politics, whether it be AIPAC, the NRA or the fossil fuel industry.”
But later Monday, she retweeted a thread from Democratic activist Ady Barkan who supported her earlier claims that sparked the controversy.
but we were desperate for cash and so we put online a statement about how Vic supported a two-state peace agreement and AIPAC’s two pet issues of the cycle.
It was definitely about the Benjamins. Never would have done it otherwise. AIPAC’s power is also about great organizing..
— Ady Barkan?? (@AdyBarkan) February 11, 2019
“AIPAC is a central pillar of the occupation,” another tweet read. “Without Congressional support, the Likud/anti-Palestine/pro-occupation project would be radically undermined. AIPAC is the anchor of that support, and its money and Sheldon Adelson’s money are indispensable to the work.”
We have a growing anti-semitism problem in America. @IlhanMN is not part of it. @lindasrsour is not part of it. They are allies of mine and of Jews across this country who are fighting for peace, racial justice, immigrants’ rights, and the defeat of fascism.
— Ady Barkan?? (@AdyBarkan) February 11, 2019
Barkan also criticized Pelosi for calling out Omar, which prompted a response from the Minnesota lawmaker.
.@AdyBarkan your courage can’t be matched. I am often in tears thinking about how you won’t be with us in this fight and how I am going to miss your presence and courage. In solidarity my friend, in solidarity ✊? https://t.co/wt5YAHA2rR
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) February 11, 2019
Activist Linda Sarsour came to Omar’s defense Monday as well, condemning AIPAC as “one of the most influential lobbies in American politics – alongside the NRA,” in a Facebook post.
“AIPAC connects donors to campaigns and elected officials,” the Women’s March co-chair wrote. “Trying to argue that critiquing the role of AIPAC which let’s be clear is not a Jewish organization, many of its leaders and members are Christian Zionists — is anti-Semitic is ludicrous.”
Omar, who supports the Boycott, Divest, and Sanction (BDS) movement, once claimed Israel “hypnotized the world.”
Israel has hypnotized the world, may Allah awaken the people and help them see the evil doings of Israel. #Gaza #Palestine #Israel
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) November 16, 2012
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