Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) sparked a bevy of criticism over the weekend when she called January 6th defendants “hostages” – parroting recent rhetoric from former President Donald Trump.
Among the backlash to Stefanik was a report from NBC News highlighting the objections of Israeli families of hostages still being held captive by Hamas in Gaza.
“Some relatives of those taken hostage in Israel by Hamas told NBC News they were upset that Trump would use the term to refer to criminal defendants in the American court system, especially when more than 130 actual hostages remain in captivity in Gaza,” reported NBC’s Ryan J. Reilly and Anna Schecter.
“Some of the released hostages have spoken out about deprivation of food and physical abuse while held in captivity by Hamas, a U.S.-designated terror organization, and its supporters in Gaza. Family members of hostages said they didn’t want their continued fight for the return of their loved ones to be politicized,” added the report.
Stefanik’s comments came a day before a new video showing four young hostages in Gaza was released by Hamas. Conservative commentator Charlie Sykes shared the clip online and added, “Dear Elise Stefanik: These is what actual “hostages” look like. Words matter.”
Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) replied, “Turns out Elise Stefanik is not the hero some claimed she was last month. And how sick that as real American hostages are held in Gaza, Stefanik puts January 6 terrorists in the same category.” Swalwell’s comment appeared to refer to Stefanik’s questioning of university presidents during a hearing on anti-Semitism last month, which won her applause from many.
Below are some more recent reactions to Stefanik:
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