Governor Whitmer Condemns ‘Squad’ Member’s ‘Antisemitic’ Attack Against Michigan’s Jewish Attorney General
Lansing, Michigan – Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has issued a firm condemnation against Representative Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., for launching what is referred to as an “antisemitic” attack against her State’s Jewish Attorney General, Dana Nessel. This statement has come following widespread criticism for her initial refusal to stand in Nessel’s defense against the allegations of religious bias.
Michigan Governor Makes an About-face
Just a day after her failure to pick a side between Nessel and Tlaib in a dysfunction tearing through her state’s political scene, Governor Whitmer responded through a statement sharing her unfavorably stern view on Tlaib’s attack. “The suggestion that Attorney General Nessel would make charging decisions based on her religion as opposed to the rule of law is antisemitic,” she declared in her statement. She also praised Nessel’s professional integrity and her commitment to the rule of law. “We must all use our platform and voices to call out hateful rhetoric and racist tropes,” she added.
Details of the Feud
This condemnation comes in the wake of a highly publicized feud between Michigan’s Attorney General Dana Nessel and Rep. Rashida Tlaib. The disagreement stems from charges brought against anti-Israel campus protesters at the University of Michigan by Nessel’s office. This move led Tlaib, a vocal critic of Israel, to accuse Nessel of acting out of religious bias, given she herself is Jewish. She labelled these charges as “shameful” and suggestive of possible biases within Nessel’s agency.
In response to these accusations, Nessel countered, refuting the claim her that professional decisions would be influenced by her religious beliefs. “Rashida Tlaib should not use my religion to imply I cannot perform my job fairly as Attorney General. It’s anti-Semitic and wrong,” Nessel replied.
Reactions and Consequences
The feud and subsequent controversy have had significant fallout. During a recent CNN interview, a leading news host asked Whitmer whether she agreed with Nessel’s assertion that Tlaib’s accusation was rooted in antisemitism. At that point, Whitmer declined to get involved or take a stance.
This hesitation was noticed and criticized by Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt, who accused the governor of failing in her duty to support her attorney general. Whitemar’s eventual response and condemnation seem to have come as a result of such criticism.
