Former U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi stirred controversy with her remarks during an interview on CNN’s “State of the Union” last Sunday. Pelosi expressed her belief that protesters advocating for a cease-fire in Gaza may have some connection with Russia.
She asserted that the call for a cease-fire aligns with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s agenda, emphasizing the need for the FBI to investigate potential links.
Pelosi stated, “For them to call for a ceasefire is Mr. Putin’s message. Make no mistake. This is directly connected to what he would like to see. I think some of these protesters are spontaneous, and organic, and sincere. Some I think are connected to Russia. Some financing should be investigated, and I want to ask the FBI to investigate that.”
Nancy Pelosi Alleges Potential Collaboration Between Pro-Palestine Protesters and Russia (Credits: CNN)
Reuters noted that Pelosi’s comments marked the first instance of a prominent U.S. lawmaker accusing Russia’s leader of supporting U.S. protesters calling for a ceasefire.
Ibrahim Hooper, spokesperson for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, criticized Pelosi’s remarks in a statement, saying, “It is unconscionable that an individual with such influence in this nation would spread unsubstantiated smears targeting those who seek an end to the slaughter of civilians in Gaza and a just resolution to that conflict. Her comments once again show the negative impact of decades of dehumanization of the Palestinian people.”
Responding to the criticism, a spokesperson for Pelosi, in a statement to Salon, emphasized Pelosi’s commitment to addressing the suffering in Gaza and advocating for the release of hostages. The spokesperson clarified Pelosi’s support for all Americans’ right to express their views through peaceful protest.
The statement highlighted Pelosi’s awareness, shaped by her three decades on the House Intelligence Committee, of foreign adversaries meddling in American politics and emphasized the need for further investigation ahead of the 2024 election.
