The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) commends the United States House of Representatives for passing resolution H.R. 489, condemning President Trump’s racist tweets about Representatives Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), and Ayanna Pressley (D-MA). President Trump’s continuous racist slander of these four Congresswomen of color exemplifies just how much progress still needs to be made in this country. His erroneous accusation that the Congresswomen hate America, while holding democratically-elected positions, insults their constituencies as well as the very foundation of our democracy.
President Trump remains unconcerned with the possible ramifications stemming from the unfounded claims that he continues to make. The racist and xenophobic rhetoric that he employs has given a voice to individuals overtaken by hatred. As we have seen from the constant death threats targeted at the Congresswomen, these hateful individuals, empowered by the President’s messages, threaten the safety of the Congresswomen, their families, and marginalized communities. With H.R. 489, the House has set a precedent that the U.S. will no longer tolerate racial slander against our politicians.
The ADC stands with Representatives Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), and Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) in their fight against racism and intolerance. In this current political climate, resolution H.R. 489 makes a necessary statement — ignorance should have no place in our government, especially not in the White House.
