Republican Mary Miller—an Illinois Congresswoman elected to the House of Representatives in November—came under fire shortly after being sworn in.
In a speech before a crowd of Trump supporters, Miller quoted Adolf Hitler saying the genocidal dictator "was right about one thing."
People responded Hitler should never be referred to as "right" about anything.
Not a great look for a freshmen Congresswoman to be caught on tape at a rally in the Nation’s Capitol saying “Hitle… https://t.co/IovfWcHSY0— Margot WEAR A GODDAMNED MASK McGowan Staebler (@Margot WEAR A GODDAMNED MASK McGowan Staebler) 1609884203.0
Miller was quickly buried under criticism from the internet who questioned why, of all people, she would choose to quote Adolf Hitler.
Here’s the full clip. Incoming Illinois Congresswoman Mary Miller didn’t slip or improvise when she quoted Hitler a… https://t.co/bfZJDndAOm— Mark Maxwell (@Mark Maxwell) 1609958928.0
Sitting Congresswoman Mary Miller literally just said "Hitler was right"! What sort of LUNACY are we living in tha… https://t.co/6hXRtkpsBX— StopAntisemitism.org (@StopAntisemitism.org) 1609956998.0
Instead of backing down from her comments, however, Miller took to Twitter to double down.
Miller insisted her quote saying Hitler "was right" was meant to denounce the fascist dictator.
Congresswoman Miller's statement was a denunciation of evil dictators' efforts to re-educate young people and simil… https://t.co/VrAT2rjvZC— Congresswoman Mary Miller (@Congresswoman Mary Miller) 1609971515.0
Predictably, Twitter wasn't convinced by Miller's tweet.
@RepMaryMiller Ummm. No. It wasn’t. “Hitler was right on one thing. He said whoever has the youth has the future.”… https://t.co/QwhybLgp9B— Dangit P (@Dangit P) 1609990812.0
@RepMaryMiller As a constituent of your district, I don't know if I'm more embarrassed by your objecting to the vot… https://t.co/6rO8XT7wHK— Kayla (@Kayla) 1610037948.0
@RepMaryMiller Constituent from IL here- Rep. Miller’s words about Hitler show she is not suitable for the position… https://t.co/BA4SbXLaJu— Lynn Drummond (@Lynn Drummond) 1609973681.0
Many of Miller's constituents demanded she resign.
@lynjamin79 @RepMaryMiller Same. I called her DC office this morning and humbly requested she resign.— James (@James) 1610044554.0
@RepMaryMiller You say you represent “the family.” Which families does that refer to? Whose families? You do not represent my family.— Robert Moorehead (@Robert Moorehead) 1610037668.0
@RepMaryMiller I'm from the Congressional District next door. Resign. You shame all of us in Central Illinois.— Christopher Cole (@Christopher Cole) 1610044190.0
No politician should ever praise Hitler in any way.
Ever.
That's pretty much politics 101.
@RepMaryMiller This was a cute attempt at spinning it, but to the Comms. Director and Press Assistant who sees this… https://t.co/9n6215MwFi— N8 (@N8) 1610000010.0
Miller's colleagues in Congress were also quick to denounce her words.
Rep Carroll: “I’m in complete shock that our newest Congresswoman from IL would quote one of the worst monsters in… https://t.co/vMfqVqqckX— Mark Maxwell (@Mark Maxwell) 1609956234.0
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker calls Mary Miller’s remarks quoting Hitler “unfathomable and disgusting.” He says, “I… https://t.co/n9hpAPCC85— Mark Maxwell (@Mark Maxwell) 1609957933.0
It seems the new congresswoman's career has begun with a gaffe she might not be able to shake.
@Miller_Congress Does that include quoting Adolf Hitler just now??— Tom (@Tom) 1609955911.0
During the first week of her term in office, Miller hopefully learned an important political lesson...though it's a lesson most politicians usually know long before getting elected.
On Friday, Miller finally offered an apology while still claiming her poor choice of words were OK, but people twisted them.
In an official statement, Miller said:
"Earlier this week, I spoke to a group of mothers about the importance of faith and guarding our youth from destructive influences."
"I sincerely apologize for any harm my words caused and regret using a reference to one of the most evil dictators in history to illustrate the dangers that outside influences can have on our youth."
"This dark history should never be repeated and parents should be proactive to instill what is good, true, right, and noble into their children's hearts and minds."
"While some are trying to intentionally twist my words to mean something antithetical to my beliefs, let me be clear: I'm passionately pro-Israel and I will always be a strong advocate and ally of the Jewish community. I've been in discussion with Jewish leaders across the country and am grateful to them for their kindness and forthrightness."
In their own statement, the United States Holocaust Museum said:
"[The Holocaust museum] unequivocally condemns any leader trying to advance a position by claiming Adolf Hitler was 'right'."
"Adolf Hitler's Germany plunged Europe into the most destructive event in human history, World War II and the Holocaust resulting in the genocide of six million European Jews."