Republican Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) strongly rebuked Democrat Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) from the “Squad” for their recent covert visit to communist Cuba, which was funded by taxpayers. Malliotakis, who comes from a Cuban background, expressed her condemnation of these lawmakers during her appearance on “Fox & Friends.”
She did not hold back in labeling them as “anti-American” and “communist sympathizers.” Malliotakis went on to accuse Omar and Jayapal of aligning themselves with adversarial nations such as Iran, North Korea, China, and Russia. She emphasized the fact that Cuba is a state sponsor of terrorism and highlighted its severe human rights violations. Malliotakis also pointed out the irony of these lawmakers advocating for fair wages in the United States while supporting a government that pays its citizens a mere $15 per month.
Furthermore, she criticized their voting record, specifically highlighting their opposition to a resolution in 2021 that aimed to support the Cuban people during their fight for freedom.
The journey, which involved a small group of House Democrats led by Omar and Jayapal, was not made public and was not reported by Cuban state media, as per reports.
The delegation reportedly engaged with individuals from Cuban civil society and government officials to discuss human rights and the U.S.-Cuba bilateral relationship.
Malliotakis’s statements emphasized the deep political divides surrounding U.S. relations with Cuba and the ideological discrepancies within Congress. Her critique mirrored broader worries among Republicans about Democratic legislators’ interactions with foreign governments, especially those with strained relationships with the United States.
The journey also stirred controversy due to its timing amid ongoing tensions over immigration and the border crisis in the United States. Malliotakis and other detractors contended that lawmakers should prioritize addressing domestic concerns rather than partaking in diplomatic visits to nations like Cuba.
In light of Malliotakis’s remarks, supporters of Omar and Jayapal defended the journey as a valid attempt to engage with Cuban officials and advocate for human rights. They argued that dialogue and diplomacy were crucial tools for fostering positive change and addressing human rights violations in authoritarian regimes like Cuba.
The lack of transparency surrounding the journey raised concerns about accountability and congressional oversight. Critics called for increased transparency regarding lawmakers’ international travels and interactions with foreign governments to ensure accountability and adherence to diplomatic protocols.
In general, Malliotakis’s criticism of Omar and Jayapal’s journey underscored the intricate dynamics of U.S. foreign policy and the ideological divides within Congress as the controversial legislators continue to raise concerns for the nation.
