On Friday (August 12), House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called on Republicans to stop criticism of the FBI, saying the rhetoric was increasing the threat of violence against public officials.
Following the FBI’s Raid of former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago property on Monday (August 8), a number of Republican lawmakers have attacked the bureau.
Pelosi addressed these remarks in her Friday press briefing, stating that the threat of violence toward law enforcement, public officials, and members of Congress was “exacerbated by the statements of the [former] president.”
Trump has a history of bashing the FBI that dates back to his early days in Office. This feud has only been heightened by recent events causing many GOP lawmakers to make disparaging remarks against the bureau in defense of the former President.
Addressing other GOP lawmakers, Pelosi contended with them to condemn attacks, especially as details are scarce about the search warrant executed on Trump’s property.
“You would think there would be an adult in the Republican room that would say, ‘Just calm down. See what the facts are, and let’s go for that,'” Pelosi said, noting that it would be a better option than “instigating assaults on law enforcement.”
Pelosi’s statements come as the GOP had been relentless in their criticism of the DOJ and FBI.
Since Monday’s search, several GOP lawmakers have attacked the agency, accusing the Department of Justice of abusing its powers and being used for “political Weaponization.”
Following the revelation that Trump was raided, Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.) tweeted, “Failure is not an option. We must destroy the FBI. We must save America,” before touting his allegiance to Trump.
Others, like Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY.), compared the U.S. under President Joe Biden’s leadership to a banana republic, while Reps. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) and Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) called for the defunding of the FBI.
