A House Oversight and Government Reform Committee session on Washington, D.C.’s public safety devolved into a heated confrontation Thursday when Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) branded President Donald Trump’s federal crime initiatives a “fascist takeover,” prompting a sharp rebuke from Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.).
Tlaib, a member of the progressive “Squad,” accused Republicans of exaggerating D.C.’s crime issues to advance Trump’s agenda, asserting, “I don’t see what they see.” She expressed concern that the measures would harm local communities, adding, “I don’t understand why we’re allowing that to happen, because I actually think it’s going to hurt our communities.”
Escalating her critique, Tlaib declared, “I think it’s really important, we need to stand up against this fascist takeover. That’s not a bad word. It’s a fact.” She urged Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) to curb inflammatory descriptions of the district, saying, “not allow rhetoric that defames or paints Washington, DC in a way that you all haven’t really truly seen.”
Verbal Sparring Intensifies Between Tlaib and Donalds
Donalds, a vocal advocate for Trump’s D.C. security enhancements, interrupted as Tlaib’s speaking time lapsed, but she pressed on. He addressed Comer, stating, “Mr. Chairman, I think it’s insane that the gentlelady doesn’t have an argument so she’s going to refer to me and some of my colleagues like we were from the Third Reich – this is insane.” Raising his voice, Donalds directly challenged Tlaib: “Do I look like a member of the Third Reich to you, Ms. Tlaib? Is that what I look like to you?”
Tlaib responded by alleging Donalds had engaged in “ghost voting” earlier this year by proxy while absent from the district. “Please, oh please!” she exclaimed. “You’re the one taking your voting card, giving it to somebody, committing a crime. That’s unethical!”
The back-and-forth continued, with Donalds reiterating, “Is that what you think? Is that what you think? I think it’s radical, and I think it’s insane … to say something like that to myself and my colleagues is way out of line.”
Tlaib shot back: “You hold yourself accountable before you talk about Washington, DC. Keep Washington, DC out of your mouth!” Donalds countered: “Hold your own self accountable. How about that?”
As tensions peaked, Tlaib began chanting, “Free DC! Free DC!” before Comer restored order to the proceedings.
Post-Hearing Fallout
In remarks to reporters afterward, Donalds linked Tlaib’s language to the recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on Sept. 10, calling it a “sore subject.” On X, he elaborated, “She used the exact same irresponsible rhetoric that inspired Tyler Robinson and was completely out-of-line,” referencing Kirk’s alleged k*ller.
The hearing, titled “Oversight of the District of Columbia,” featured testimony from D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, Council Chair Phil Mendelson, Attorney General Brian Schwalb, and others, focusing on Trump’s recent executive actions to federalize aspects of local law enforcement amid a spike in violent incidents.
Democrats, including Tlaib, argued the moves undermine community-led efforts, while Republicans maintained they are essential for restoring order.
The incident points to ongoing sensitivities around political rhetoric, particularly following Kirk’s death, which has prompted calls for de-escalation across the aisle. Witnesses and lawmakers from both parties emphasized the need for constructive dialogue on urban crime, though the verbal fireworks overshadowed substantive discussion.
Implications for Congressional Discourse
Thursday’s altercation in the House Oversight Committee reveals the raw edges of partisan debate in a divided Congress, where accusations of authoritarianism clash with defenses of aggressive public safety policies. Tlaib’s invocation of “fascist takeover” echoes Democratic critiques of Trump’s D.C. interventions, viewed by supporters as necessary responses to escalating crime rates.
Donalds’ retort, invoking the Third Reich, highlighted personal and racial dimensions, amplifying calls for accountability on inflammatory language amid recent violence like the Kirk assassination.
