Lowey, Ros-Lehtinen, Engel, Deutch, and Veasey Condemn President Putin's Anti-semitic Remarks and Ongoing Silence of Trump Administration

Statement

Representatives Nita Lowey (D-NY), Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Eliot Engel (D-NY), Ted Deutch (D-FL), and Marc Veasey (D-TX) released the following statement today on President Vladimir Putin's recent comments that the "Jews" could be responsible for Russia's interference in the United States election:

"President Putin's statement is indefensible and perpetuates some of the worst anti-Semitic stereotypes that have led to discrimination and violence in Eastern Europe for hundreds of years. Again and again, the Trump Administration has let President Putin off the hook for his attack on American democracy. Now, as Putin blames Jews for this attack, the White House's silence also betrays our country's long tradition as a leader in the struggle against anti-Semitism. We urge President Trump to condemn Putin's remarks in the strongest of terms and affirm that the United States will not stand for anti-Semitism, domestically or abroad. To head this response, the Administration must also prioritize the appointment of the State Department's Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism."