After intense scrutiny from both parties, the America First Caucus seems to have been put on hold, as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) and Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) both seem to distance themselves from the caucus without disavowing the ideas put forth in the policy platform.
Rep. Gosar released a statement denying accusations that he had any prior knowledge of what was in the policy proposal, while vowing to continue his work in the Freedom Caucus. “Let me be perfectly clear, I did not author this paper. In fact, I first became aware of it by reading about it in the news yesterday, like everyone else” he wrote in a statement on his website. “I will continue to work on America First issues in the House Freedom Caucus.”
Greene, who has been especially attacked for her alleged role in creating the America First Caucus, fired at the media in a tweet thread for their smear campaign with regards to the caucus. “(The media) released a staff level draft proposal from an outside group that I hadn’t read. The scum and liars in the media are calling me a racist by taking something out of context” she lambasted. “It’s more proof so-called journalists lie and create false narratives. The media are the ones focused on race & use it to divide the American people with hate through identity politics.”
https://twitter.com/mtgreenee/status/1383466841348079617
The apparent decision to – at least temporarily – scrap the project comes after their Congressional colleagues from across the political spectrum lambasted the language and aims of the caucus, specifically with regards to immigration and an out of context phrase stating that America must protect it’s Anglo Saxon political tradition.
In addition to the radical leftists in Congress including Ted Leiu and Eric Swalwell, and establishment Republicans including Adam Kinzinger and Liz Cheney, and even nominally pro-Trump congressmen like House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy attacked the organization. “The Republican Party is the party of Lincoln & the party of more opportunity for all Americans—not nativist dog whistles” McCarthy said in a statement on April 16.
America is built on the idea that we are all created equal and success is earned through honest, hard work. It isn’t built on identity, race, or religion.
The Republican Party is the party of Lincoln & the party of more opportunity for all Americans—not nativist dog whistles.
— Kevin McCarthy (@GOPLeader) April 16, 2021
This is not the first time Minority Leader McCarthy has worked against President Trump and his America First Agenda. As National File covered in the run-up to January 6, McCarthy conspired with other establishment leaders and prominent Democrats to ensure the Congress certified Joe Biden’s victory while also placating Trump voters.
