WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Lance Gooden (R-TX) released the following statement in response to recent revelations revealing Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries' history of anti-semitism.
“Democratic Leader, Hakeem Jeffries, has shown his true colors by attacking me while conveniently ignoring his own past. Instead of owning up to his flagrantly racist beliefs, Leader Jeffries continues to engage in political theatrics and attempting to undermine the credibility of others. Leader Jeffries, look in the mirror. It is time for you to apologize to the American people, particularly the Jewish community, for endorsing these destructive figures. I urge Leader Jeffries and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in condemning this hypocrisy.”
Rep. Gooden's statement comes in the wake of the resurfacing of a college op-ed written by Rep. Jeffries in which he defended his uncle's antisemitic comments and expressed support for Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, who has a long history of promoting antisemitic conspiracy theories and hateful speech.
Rep. Gooden remains committed to exposing the hypocrisy of political leaders who engage in character assassinations while refusing to address their own controversial pasts. He calls on Leader Jeffries to take responsibility for his actions and apologize to the Jewish community and the American people for his past support of individuals who have espoused destructive and divisive beliefs.