Defense Secretary Claps Back After Matt Gaetz Accuses Military Of 'Embracing' Critical Race Theory

The right's obsession with Critical Race Theory continues apace, this time with disgraced Republican Florida Representative Matt Gaetz accusing Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin of pushing the controversial theory on the U.S. Military.

Gaetz leveled the accusation at Austin while questioning him before the House Armed Services Committee.

Austin wasn't having any of it.

In a heated exchange, which you can see below, Austin put Gaetz firmly in place, politely and calmly dunking on him again and again.

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In his questioning of Austin, Gaetz claimed without evidence that Critical Race Theory is the "number one concern" of the military officers he's spoken to.

Critical Race Theory is an academic field of study which states that American racism is not only the result of people's bigotries, but is also baked into social and governmental systems that are in turn upheld by the legal system.

Conservatives routinely lie about the theory, claiming it states all White people are racist and that Black supremacy is the only remedy for racism. They also routinely claim it is being taught to children in public schools, seemingly with the aim of stirring a moral panic.

To that end, Gaetz called Austin to account for the military's supposed foisting of the theory on officers.

"I've heard those sentiments most frequently from units that are majority-minority. How should the Department of Defense think about critical race theory?"

Austin was having absolutely none of it, and calmly and politely slapped down Gaetz's ridiculous claims.

"We do not teach critical race theory. We don't embrace critical race theory. And I think that's a spurious conversation. We are focused on extremist behaviors and not ideology, not people's thoughts, not people's political orientation."

But Austin was only getting started with putting Gaetz in place. He went on to say:

"And thanks for your anecdotal input. But I would say that I've gotten ten times that amount of input -- 50 times that amount of input on the other side that has said, 'We're glad to have had the ability to have a conversation with ourselves and our leadership.'"

Gaetz then suggested that perhaps Austin didn't know about the complaints because his colleagues were simply telling him what he wanted to hear, before accusing Austin of recently hiring an adviser, Bishop Garrison, who is a critical race theorist.

That didn't go very well for him either--Austin was ready with a clap back.

"This is the first I've ever heard [of Bishop Garrison] being described as a critical race theorist..." 

"...And for you to say people are telling me what I want to hear... You know, maybe they are telling you what you want to hear."

Game, set, match. On Twitter, there was no question who won this bout, and a thorough dragging of Gaetz quickly ensued.

Gaetz is currently the subject of an FBI investigation for his involvement in the sex trafficking of underage girls. Federal charges are expected to be brought against him in July.