House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) issued a missive in flat opposition to the newly announced “America First Caucus” organized by some Republican members of Congress including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.).
Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas) told reporters on Friday that he was looking into joining the caucus and said that Greene was leading the charge.
A document obtained by Punchbowl News with a logo of the caucus described one of the aims of the group.
“America is a nation with a border, and a culture, strengthened by a common respect for uniquely Anglo-Saxon political traditions,” the document read.
The document also said the caucus would be in support of infrastructure projects that befit “the progeny of European architecture, whereby public infrastructure must be utilitarian as well as stunningly, classically beautiful, befitting a world power and source of freedom.”
Some saw the inclusion of the phrase “Ango-Saxon” as racially charged and even accused the Republicans involved of being aligned with white supremacist ideals.
The beleaguered Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), who is inundated with his own scandal, unabashedly tweeted that he was joining the caucus.
“I’m proud to join @mtgreenee in the #AmericaFirst Caucus. We will end wars, stop illegal immigration & promote trade that is fair to American workers,” tweeted Gaetz.
‘The party of Lincoln… not nativist dog whistles’
McCarthy appeared to be on the other end of the debate.
“America is built on the idea that we are all created equal and success is earned through honest, hard work. It isn’t built on identity, race, or religion,” responded McCarthy in a tweet that didn’t directly name the America First Caucus.
America is built on the idea that we are all created equal and success is earned through honest, hard work. It isn’… https://t.co/EsVSyCfowH
— Kevin McCarthy (@Kevin McCarthy)1618605694.0
“The Republican Party is the party of Lincoln & the party of more opportunity for all Americans—not nativist dog whistles,” he added.
McCarthy’s criticism aligned with many of the reactions against the America First Caucus. He had previously defended Greene when she was criticized by Democrats over statements she made in the past supporting various conspiracy theories.