Massie Clashes with Schumer, White House over Viral Meme

In a recent social media post, Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky came under fire from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and the White House for a meme he shared about American patriotism and Zionism. The meme, which featured a picture of rapper Drake with labels “Congress these days,” joked about Congress’s prioritization of Zionism over American patriotism. Schumer and the White House were quick to denounce the meme as antisemitic, with Schumer calling it “disgusting, dangerous, and exactly the type of thing I was talking about in my Senate address.”

Schumer and White House hit Massie for social media post: 'Antisemitic, disgusting, dangerous' https://t.co/mf1FGkD0Ao https://t.co/mf1FGkD0Ao

— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) December 6, 2023

The White House deputy communications director, Herbie Ziskend, also condemned the post, calling on all Americans, including House GOP leadership, to denounce the “virulent Antisemitism” displayed by Rep. Massie. However, Massie did not back down in the face of criticism. He responded to Schumer’s remarks by highlighting the need for attention to border security, stating, “If only you cared half as much about our border as you do my tweets.”

Additionally, CEO of the Republican Jewish Coalition, Matt Brooks, joined in the criticism, calling the post “antisemitic” and a “disgrace to the US Congress and to the Republican Party.” The controversy surrounding the post has sparked debate over the relationship between Zionism and antisemitism. While Zionism advocates for a homeland for the Jewish people, some Jewish leaders and members of Congress have linked anti-Zionism to antisemitism, especially in light of recent events such as Hamas’s attack against Israel.

The meme shared by Rep. Massie has stirred up a contentious discussion, with strong condemnations from prominent figures and assertions about the connections between Zionism and antisemitism. It remains to be seen how the controversy will unfold and what impact it may have on the ongoing discussions about Zionism and its implications.