- GOP legislators are apparently starting a caucus that emphasizes the “Anglo-Saxon political traditions”.
- Other Republicans opposed it, with Representative Adam Kinzinger saying members should be punished.
- Reps Kevin McCarthy and Liz Cheney also came forward to condemn ‘nativism’ in the GOP.
- See more stories on Insider’s business page.
Several Republican lawmakers opposed an “America First Caucus” created by their colleagues that emphasized “Anglo-Saxon political traditions.”
Punchbowl News reported Friday, the caucus was formed by IDP representatives. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Paul Gosar for “following in the footsteps of President Trump, and possibly stepping on some toes and sacrificing sacred cows for the good of the American nation,” according to a document released by the outlet.
The document also contains a number of false statements regarding immigrants, foreign aid and US elections, as Sonam Sheth of Insider reports.
A number of Republicans have condemned the caucus since then, with Illinois representative Adam Kinzinger saying anyone who joins should be punished by the IDP.
“I believe that everyone who joins this caucus should have their committees stripped, and that the Republican Conference should suspend them from participating in the conference,” Kinzinger said in a tweet. “While we can not prevent someone from calling themselves a Republican, we can say out loud that they do not belong to us.”
Read more: Paul Gosar is the GOP’s hardcore culture fighter under the radar
Kinzinger is a regular critic of former President Donald Trump and his most loyal allies, but some less critical Republicans have also joined the opposition.
“The hatred of this statement is only surpassed by ignorance of American history and values,” said Colorado representative Ken Buck tweeted of the caucus document.
Others did not name the caucus by name, but came forward to condemn nativism, a policy to protect the interests of the natives against those of immigrants, and say it has no place in the IDP.
California House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, a strong ally of Trump, tweeted in an apparent reference to the caucus.
“America is built on the idea that we are all created equal and that success is earned through honest, hard work. It is not built on identity, race or religion,” he said. “The Republican Party is Lincoln’s party and the party of more opportunities for all Americans – not the whistles of the nativists.”
—Kevin McCarthy (@GOPLeader) 16 April 2021
Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming also sought to separate the IDP from some of the ideals set forth in the caucus document.
“Republicans believe in equal opportunities, freedom and justice for all. We teach our children the values of tolerance, decency and moral courage. Racism, nativism and anti-Semitism are evil. History teaches that we all have a duty to confront and reject. such malicious hatred, ‘she said in a tweet.
According to Punchbowl News, a number of Trump loyalists plan to join the caucus, including Representative Matt Gaetz of Florida, who is currently trading before a federal sex trafficking investigation.
Gaetz tweeted he is “proud” to join the caucus.