Steve King says ‘white supremacist’ comment ‘mischaracterized’

The controversy began last week when the New York Times published an interview with King. “White nationalist, white supremacist, Western civilization — how did that language become offensive? … Why did I sit in classes teaching me about the merits of our history and our civilization?” King said, according to the Times.

Much of the ensuing backlash has centered on the assumption that King questioned why “white supremacist” and “white nationalist” had become offensive. King argued Monday that he was only referring to Western civilization — not “any previously stated evil ideology.”

“Clearly, I was only referencing Western Civilization classes. No one ever sat in a class listening to the merits of of white nationalism and white supremacy,” King said. “My record as a vocal advocate for Western Civilization is nearly as full as my record in defense of Freedom of Speech,” King said.

McCarthy told reporters Monday that removing King from his committee positions was a “unanimous” decision and cited that King has made similar remarks in the past.

“We will not be seating Steve King on any committees in the 116th Congress,” McCarthy told reporters Monday. “It was a unanimous decision by steering in light of the comments. These are not the first time we’ve heard these comments.”

King, who was recently re-elected in the 2018 midterm election, has faced controversy in the past, including for his endorsement of a white nationalist Toronto mayoral candidate who appeared on a neo-Nazi podcast. He tweeted last fall that the candidate, Faith Goldy, was “pro Rule of Law, pro Make Canada Safe Again, pro balanced budget, &…BEST of all, Pro Western Civilization and a fighter for our values. @FaithGoldy will not be silenced.”

In his statement Monday, King said he plans to continue representing Iowa’s 4th Congressional District for the remainder of his term.